The Ole Man and the SeaPPT
A fisherman's strength and courage are put to the test when he faces a hard y...
A fisherman's strength and courage are put to the test when he faces a hard year at sea.Plot SummaryThe Ole Man and the Sea is a fisherman's story that takes place in a small seaside town in rural Senegal. The protagonist, Matheus Mbaye, is a fisherman who has dedicated his life to the sea, seeking to provide for his family and community through his labors.The Ole Man, as he is affectionately known by the townsfolk, has seen better days. His catch has been steadily decreasing, forcing him to work longer and harder to make ends meet. Adding to his woes is the local authorities' decision to raise the price of fish, making it even more difficult for him to sell his catch and support his family.One day, against the advice of his friends and family, Matheus decides to venture out to a distant fishing ground rumored to be rich in fish. He is joined by his loyal companion, Dog, a stray mongrel who has become a fixture on the docks.The journey is far more arduous than they anticipated, and they are forced to face a series of challenges, including inclement weather, dwindling provisions, and treacherous waters. Matheus's strength and resolve are tested as he struggles to fulfill his mission, all the while Dog's unwavering loyalty and companionship keep him going.During their ordeal, Matheus begins to hallucinate due to lack of food and water. In one such instance, he mistakes a school of fish for a school of prophetic fish with the face of a human. This encounter prompts him to reflect on the town's history and the ancient fisherman's legend that speaks of such fish. This legend states that the school of prophetic fish will only appear to those who are pure of heart and dedicated to their calling.Matheus realizes that he must draw on his inner strength and rely on Dog's unwavering loyalty to make it back to shore. After an arduous journey, they finally reach land but are greeted by the sight of a decrepit fishing village. Matheus learns that the authorities have taken over the town's fishing industry, depriving its inhabitants of their livelihoods.Unable to catch fish due to the authorities' actions, the townsfolk have resorted to begging and vagrancy. Matheus's own children have been forced to fend for themselves, working odd jobs and scavenging for food. Devastated by what he sees, Matheus resolves to take matters into his own hands and fight back against the authorities.Analysis of Major CharactersMatheus Mbaye (The Ole Man)Matheus Mbaye is the protagonist of the story and a fisherman who faces an array of challenges in his pursuit to provide for his family. He is depicted as a man of strong faith and resolve who is willing to brave treacherous waters and face grueling hardships to support his family. His resilience and unwavering determination are qualities that serve him well during his ordeal at sea.However, Matheus is also shown to be naively trusting of others, as he blindly trusts the town's authorities with his catch, only to be taken advantage of and left destitute. This aspect of his character serves as a reminder that even those with the purest intentions can be taken advantage of in unscrupulous systems.DogDog is Matheus's loyal companion throughout their journey and represents unwavering loyalty and companionship. He serves as a source of encouragement for Matheus, never leaving his side during their ordeal. Dog's presence adds depth to Matheus's character and highlights his resilience in the face of adversity.Townspeople/Authority FiguresThe townspeople of Matheus's village are shown to be poor and downtrodden, having been stripped of their fishing rights by the authorities. They represent those who have been marginalized and oppressed by unjust systems and highlight the need for change in such systems.The authority figures in the story are depicted as greedy and power-hungry individuals who are willing to take advantage of innocent people to further their own interests. They symbolize those who abuse their power and create systems that are unfair and perpetuate cycles of poverty and despair.Themes and SymbolismThe Theme of Perseverance and ResilienceThe Ole Man's unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity are central themes in this story. Whether it's braving treacherous waters or facing dwind
