Okay, here is a plot summary of The Old Man and the Sea in English:
Plot Summary of The Old Man and the Sea
The story centers on Santiago, an aging and experienced Cuban fisherman living in a small coastal village. He has not caught a fish in eighty-four days, a streak known as a "bad luck." While other fishermen on the shore gossip and rest, Santiago persists, enduring the hardship and the ridicule of his young apprentice, Manolin. Manolin, though forced by his parents to fish with a wealthier boat, secretly brings Santiago food, coffee, and company, showing his deep loyalty.
Determined to break his unlucky streak, Santiago sets out alone into the vast, deep sea on his small skiff, the "Pride of Cienfuegos." After three days of sailing, he hooks a giant marlin, far larger than any he has ever seen. The fish pulls Santiago's boat far out into the Gulf Stream, where they battle each other for three grueling days and nights. Santiago respects the marlin, referring to it as his brother, and the struggle is as much a test of will as it is of strength.
During this epic struggle, Santiago endures immense physical pain, particularly in his hands, which are raw and bleeding from the line. He hallucinates, talking to the fish, to the birds that follow him, and to the lions on the African beach he remembers from his youth. He feels a deep connection to the natural world and draws strength from his memories and his unwavering determination, known as his "grace."
Finally, exhausted, Santiago manages to kill the marlin with his harpoon. He lashes the massive fish to the side of his boat, feeling a profound sense of pride and accomplishment. However, his joy is short-lived as sharks are soon attracted by the marlin's blood. Santiago fights them off fiercely with a knife lashed to an oar, and later with the boat's tiller, losing his hands to the brutal battle. Despite his valiant efforts, the sharks devour most of the marlin, leaving only its skeleton by the time he reaches the shore.
When Santiago returns to the harbor, he is severely injured and near death. He collapses exhausted on his bed. Manolin, seeing his master's worn and battered body, weeps but remains by his side. He later goes to Santiago's shack and finds the giant marlin skeleton still tied to the skiff. Manolin understands the magnitude of Santiago's achievement, even though only the skeleton remains. He resolves to fish with Santiago again, declaring, "A man can be destroyed but not defeated."
The story ends with Santiago sleeping, holding Manolin's hand, suggesting a return to good fortune and the continuation of their bond.
