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 Cuban fisherman living in a small coastal village. He is considered "salao," meaning the worst form of unlucky, having not caught a fish in eighty-four days. This has caused many of the other fishermen in the village to pity him and the younger fishermen to mock him.
Despite his bad luck, Santiago remains determined and confident. He has a deep respect for the sea and the creatures within it, and he feels a special connection to a young boy named Manolin. Manolin, though his parents force him to fish with a luckier boy, secretly teaches Santiago's son how to fish and brings him food and company. Manolin deeply admires Santiago and wishes he could stay and fish with him, but he must obey his parents.
One morning, Santiago sets out alone in his small skiff, determined to break his unlucky streak. He ventures far out into the Gulf Stream, into the deep sea. After a long day with no catches, he hooks something enormous. It's a giant marlin, far larger than any he has ever seen.
A brutal struggle begins. Santiago battles the marlin with skill, endurance, and immense willpower, reeling in the line for days. He develops a deep, almost spiritual respect for his adversary, seeing the fish as a noble and worthy opponent. He calls it his brother. The battle tests his physical and mental limits.
Finally, after enduring great pain and exhaustion, Santiago manages to kill the marlin with his harpoon. He lashes the massive fish to the side of his skiff, feeling a surge of pride and accomplishment. He has defeated one of the greatest fish in the sea.
However, his joy is short-lived. As Santiago begins his journey back to the shore, sharks are drawn to the marlin's blood. He fights them off fiercely with a harpoon, then a knife lashed to an oar, and finally a pitchfork. He kills several sharks, but they devour much of the marlin, reducing it to a skeleton by the time he reaches the harbor.
When Santiago arrives back at the harbor, exhausted and bleeding, the other fishermen are astonished to see the enormous marlin skeleton. They immediately recognize the fish's size and know Santiago has caught the biggest marlin they have ever seen. They realize the immense courage and skill it must have taken.
Manolin is deeply saddened but also incredibly proud of Santiago. He takes care of the old man, cleaning his wounds and preparing food. Santiago, though physically defeated, remains unbroken. He tells Manolin, "A man can be destroyed but not defeated."
The story ends with Santiago sleeping peacefully, dreaming of the lions on the African beach, a symbol of peace, strength, and endurance. He is ready to face whatever the sea brings him next, knowing he has proven his worth through his incredible struggle.
