The Old Man and the Sea for younger audiences
Written by Ernest Hemingway and adapted by Susanna Harkavy
Santiago was once a great fisherman. He lived a simple life in a small hut.
Santiago dreamed of one day catching a great fish. But for many days, he had not caught even the smallest fish. Still, he was determined that one day, he would catch a truly great fish.
He knew that soon he would be unable to set sail. Age made it harder each day to handle the boat and the difficulties of the sea. For 84 days, he went to sea each morning and returned home empty-handed each night.
On the 85th day, he rose early and, taking his supplies with him, he set sail. He sailed far with no company but the wind and the water. Birds flew overhead and the occasional small fish glinted in the sea. He sailed on quietly, searching in vain for the fish he had dreamed of.
The day passed. He was about to turn back and go home when suddenly he felt it: a tug on his line. Carefully, he began to pull in the line. He could tell the fish was a worthy competitor. It was strong, and he was not the same man he had been in his prime.
The fish pulled the boat along as it struggled to free itself from the hook. It seemed as if hours passed as Santiago battled the great fish.
The sun was going down. Soon it would be too dark to safely guide the ship to shore. Santiago carried on, determined to catch this one, the dream fish.
Finally, the fish began to struggle less, worn out from the fight. With one last burst of energy, Santiago wrestled the fish aboard. The struggle had nearly claimed them both, but he had prevailed. He knew this would be his last, great catch.
Image Credit Cover: Seascape at Sainte-Marie by Vincent Van Gogh Page 1: Cottage with Peasant Coming Home by Vincent Van Gogh Page 2: The Fisherman by Henry Scott Tuke Page 3: A Skagen Fisherman Sitting In A Dinghy by Michael Ancher Page 4: Impression: Sunrise by Claude Monet Page 5: Lost on the Grand Banks by Winslow Homer Page 6: Fisherman at Sea by J.M.W. Turner Page 7: Night Fisherman by Lionel Walden Page 8: The Fog Warning by Winslow Homer
About the Author I am Susanna Harkavy, a 14 year old sophomore living in Hartland, WI. I was born in Berkeley, CA, where I understand the weather was vastly superior. I have four younger siblings: Sam, age 10; Ben, age 8; Sarah, who is 5; and River, who is 3. Very three. Anyone who has lived with a three year old knows exactly what I mean. I enjoy playing volleyball, reading, and writing fanfiction. My favorite authors are Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Tamora Pierce, and Kevin Hearne.