Assignment
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Ernest Hemingway (1899 – 1961) was one of the most famous American novelists, short story writers, and journalists of the 20th century. He is known for his distinctive, economical style of writing—short sentences, simple words, and powerful understatement—which became influential worldwide.
- Born July 21, 1899, in Oak Park, Illinois, USA.
- Loved outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and camping, which later influenced his stories.
- Worked as a journalist before becoming a full-time author.
Career Highlights
- Served as an ambulance driver in World War I; his wartime experiences deeply shaped his writing.
- Lived in Paris during the 1920s among the “Lost Generation” writers and artists.
- Famous works include:
- The Sun Also Rises (1926)
- A Farewell to Arms (1929)
- For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940)
- The Old Man and the Sea (1952) – which won the Pulitzer Prize.
- Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
Style and Themes
- Known for the “Iceberg Theory” (only a small part of the story is visible; the rest is hidden beneath the surface).
- Themes often include war, courage, loss, love, nature, and human endurance.
Later Life and Death
- Lived in many countries, including France, Spain, Cuba, and the USA.
- Struggled with physical injuries and mental health issues.
- Died by suicide on July 2, 1961, in Ketchum, Idaho.
Legacy
Hemingway’s works remain classics in world literature. His crisp, direct style influenced generations of writers, and his adventurous life made him a literary icon.
If you want, I can also give you this in very short bullet points for quick memory recall.
Characters:-
Characters in The Old Man and the Sea – by Ernest Hemingway
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Santiago
- The main character, an old Cuban fisherman.
- Poor, experienced, humble, and determined.
- Goes 84 days without catching a fish but never loses hope.
- Shows courage, endurance, and dignity in his struggle with the marlin and the sea.
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Manolin
- A young boy who admires and cares for Santiago.
- Formerly fished with Santiago but was forced by his parents to join a luckier boat.
- Represents friendship, loyalty, and hope.
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The Marlin
- A giant fish Santiago hooks after a long struggle.
- Symbol of nature’s beauty, strength, and challenge.
- Represents the ultimate test of Santiago’s skill and endurance.
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The Sharks
- Attack Santiago’s catch on his way home.
- Symbolize destructive forces and inevitable loss.
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Other Minor Characters
- Manolin’s parents – practical, concerned about the boy’s future.
- The other fishermen – some pity Santiago, others mock him.
Summary:-
Summary of The Old Man and the Sea – by Ernest Hemingway
Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman, has gone 84 days without catching a fish. People in his village think he is unlucky, but the young boy Manolin, who once fished with him, still cares for him and brings him food. Determined to break his unlucky streak, Santiago goes far out into the Gulf Stream alone.
On the 85th day, he hooks a giant marlin—the biggest fish he has ever seen. The fish is so strong that it pulls Santiago’s boat for two days and two nights. Santiago respects the marlin’s strength and beauty, calling it his “brother,” but he is determined to catch it.
After a long and exhausting struggle, Santiago finally kills the marlin with his harpoon. He ties it to the side of his skiff and begins the journey home. But on the way, sharks smell the marlin’s blood and attack. Santiago fights bravely, killing several sharks, but more keep coming. By the time he reaches shore, the marlin’s body is almost completely eaten—only the skeleton remains.
Exhausted, Santiago carries his mast home, collapses in his shack, and sleeps. The next morning, villagers admire the marlin’s skeleton, and Manolin promises to fish with Santiago again.
Main Themes: perseverance, dignity in struggle, man vs. nature, respect for life, and the inevitability of loss.
Themes :-
Themes in The Old Man and the Sea – by Ernest Hemingway
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Perseverance and Endurance
- Santiago never gives up, even after 84 days without a catch and days of physical pain.
- Shows the value of determination despite hardship.
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Man vs. Nature
- Santiago struggles with the marlin and later the sharks.
- Nature is both a respected opponent and a destructive force.
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Pride and Personal Victory
- Santiago’s pride pushes him to go far out to sea and prove his skill.
- Victory is not just catching the fish, but fighting with dignity.
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Friendship and Loyalty
- The bond between Santiago and Manolin reflects care, respect, and learning between generations.
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Dignity in Defeat
- Even though Santiago loses the marlin to sharks, he retains his pride and honor.
- Success is measured by courage, not the final outcome.
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Isolation and Loneliness
- Santiago’s solo journey shows both the solitude of human struggle and the deep connection to the natural world.
Symbols:-
Symbols in The Old Man and the Sea – by Ernest Hemingway
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The Marlin
- Symbol of ultimate challenge, beauty, and honor.
- Represents Santiago’s greatest test as a fisherman and his deep respect for nature.
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The Sharks
- Symbol of destructive forces in life—things that take away what you have worked for.
- Represent the inevitability of loss and the harsh side of nature.
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The Sea (La Mar)
- Symbol of nature’s power, mystery, and unpredictability.
- For Santiago, it is both a provider and a dangerous enemy.
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Santiago’s Mast
- Symbol of burden and sacrifice.
- When Santiago carries it on his shoulders, it parallels Christ carrying the cross.
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The Lions
- Santiago dreams of lions playing on the beaches of Africa from his youth.
- Symbol of strength, youth, and hope for renewal.
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The Skiff (Boat)
- Symbol of Santiago’s life and identity as a fisherman.
- A space where his struggles and victories happen.
Conclusion of The Old Man and the Sea – by Ernest Hemingway
The Old Man and the Sea is a timeless story of courage, endurance, and dignity in the face of inevitable loss. Santiago’s epic struggle with the marlin and the sharks reflects the human condition—life is a constant battle where victory is not always measured by the outcome but by the effort and honor with which one fights. Even though Santiago returns with only the skeleton of the marlin, his spirit remains undefeated. The novella leaves readers with the message that true success lies in perseverance, self-respect, and the ability to maintain hope despite hardship.
Home assignment
Unit :- 1 & 2
Sense and sensibility
By Jane austen
Jane Austen (1775 – 1817) was an English novelist best known for her keen social commentary, wit, and realistic portrayal of early 19th-century British society, particularly the lives and relationships of the landed gentry.
She was born on 16 December 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire, England, into a close-knit family. Austen began writing at a young age and produced six major novels:
- Sense and Sensibility (1811)
- Pride and Prejudice (1813)
- Mansfield Park (1814)
- Emma (1815)
- Northanger Abbey (published posthumously, 1818)
- Persuasion (published posthumously, 1818)
Her works are celebrated for their exploration of love, marriage, morality, class, and women’s position in society, often told with irony and sharp observation. The settings are typically rural England, and her heroines—such as Elizabeth Bennet or Anne Elliot—are intelligent, independent-minded women navigating societal expectations.
Austen never married, and her novels were published anonymously during her lifetime, with her authorship revealed only after her death. She died on 18 July 1817 in Winchester at the age of 41.
Today, Jane Austen is regarded as one of the most influential writers in English literature, with her novels continuously adapted for film, television, and stage.
Elinor Dashwood – Elinor is the eldest Dashwood sister and represents “sense” in the novel. She is practical, composed, and guided by reason. Even when facing personal heartbreak, she controls her emotions for the sake of her family. Her quiet strength and selflessness make her a stabilizing figure for her mother and sisters.
Marianne Dashwood – Marianne, the middle sister, symbolizes “sensibility,” meaning deep emotion and romantic idealism. She is passionate, impulsive, and often lets her feelings guide her actions. Her intense love for John Willoughby blinds her to his flaws, but she matures by the end of the novel, learning to balance emotion with reason.
Margaret Dashwood – The youngest Dashwood sister is lively and playful, but not as developed as her older sisters. She adds youthful energy and innocence to the family, though her role in the main plot is minor.
Edward Ferrars – Edward is a gentle, modest, and honorable man who forms a close bond with Elinor. Despite being engaged to Lucy Steele due to a youthful mistake, he remains committed to his sense of duty, eventually freeing himself to marry Elinor.
Colonel Brandon – A kind, reserved, and loyal gentleman, Colonel Brandon harbors deep love for Marianne. Though much older than her, his steady nature and genuine affection win her heart after her disappointment with Willoughby.
John Willoughby – Charming, handsome, and initially appearing romantic, Willoughby wins Marianne’s affection but later abandons her for a wealthy match. His actions highlight the dangers of valuing passion without responsibility.
Lucy Steele – Clever and manipulative, Lucy becomes engaged to Edward for his potential wealth, but later marries his brother when Edward loses his fortune. She represents selfish ambition and social opportunism.
Mrs. Dashwood – The mother of the Dashwood sisters, she is warm-hearted and affectionate but often too indulgent, especially toward Marianne’s emotional excesses.
John Dashwood – The half-brother of Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret. Though he initially promises to care for his stepmother and sisters after their father’s death, he is easily influenced by his selfish wife, Fanny, and provides them with little help.
Fanny Dashwood – John Dashwood’s wife, wealthy and deeply snobbish. She strongly opposes giving financial aid to the Dashwood sisters and treats them with coldness. Her greed and class prejudice make her one of the least sympathetic characters.
Mrs. Jennings – A cheerful, talkative, and well-meaning older woman who loves gossip. She offers kindness and hospitality to the Dashwood sisters, even if her manners are sometimes lacking in refinement.
Sir John Middleton – A distant relation who provides the Dashwood family with a home at Barton Cottage. He is friendly, hospitable, and enjoys matchmaking, often encouraging romantic pairings among his guests.
Lady Middleton – Sir John’s wife, polite but shallow, caring more for appearances and her children than for genuine conversation or friendship.
Robert Ferrars – Edward’s vain and self-centered younger brother, more interested in style and status than morals. He ultimately marries Lucy Steele after she breaks her engagement to Edward.
Charlotte Palmer – The silly and good-natured daughter of Mrs. Jennings, married to Mr. Palmer. She often laughs at everything, even when it is inappropriate.
Mr. Palmer – Charlotte’s husband, a sarcastic and sometimes rude man, but generally harmless. He prefers to keep to himself rather than engage in society gossip.
Mrs. Ferrars – The proud and controlling mother of Edward and Robert. She disinherits Edward when he refuses to break off his engagement to Lucy Steele, showing her rigid concern for social position over affection.
Summary:-
The novel begins with the Dashwood family living at Norland Park, a comfortable estate in Sussex. After the death of Mr. Henry Dashwood, his estate passes to his son from his first marriage, John Dashwood, leaving his second wife and three daughters—Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret—with a small income. John promises to help his stepmother and sisters, but under the influence of his selfish wife Fanny Dashwood, he gives them little financial support. The Dashwood women are soon forced to leave Norland.
Before their departure, Elinor Dashwood develops a quiet attachment to Edward Ferrars, Fanny’s brother. Edward is kind, modest, and sincere, but he has a reserved nature. Their mutual feelings are clear, though no formal engagement occurs.
The Dashwood family is offered a cottage on the Barton estate by Sir John Middleton, a distant relation, and they move to Devonshire. Sir John and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Jennings, welcome them warmly and introduce them to their social circle. Among these new acquaintances is Colonel Brandon, a reserved but honorable man of thirty-five, who is immediately attracted to Marianne. However, Marianne dismisses him as too old and unromantic.
Soon after, Marianne meets the charming and handsome John Willoughby, who rescues her after she injures her ankle in the rain. They quickly form an intense friendship, sharing similar tastes and passions. Their closeness sparks gossip, but Willoughby suddenly departs for London without explanation, leaving Marianne confused and heartbroken.
Meanwhile, Colonel Brandon mysteriously leaves for London, adding to Marianne’s curiosity. Gradually, Elinor and Marianne learn that Brandon’s past includes a tragic love affair and that Willoughby’s character is far from perfect—he had seduced and abandoned Brandon’s ward.
The sisters later travel to London with Mrs. Jennings. In the city, Elinor encounters Lucy Steele, a cunning young woman who confides in her that she has been secretly engaged to Edward Ferrars for four years. This news shocks Elinor, as it explains Edward’s inability to propose to her. Elinor hides her disappointment, behaving with dignity and restraint.
Marianne hopes to reunite with Willoughby in London, but he pointedly ignores her in public. She later receives a cold letter from him, announcing his engagement to a wealthy heiress. Marianne is devastated, falling into deep melancholy.
Edward’s secret engagement becomes known to his family, and his mother disinherits him, favoring his younger brother Robert instead. Lucy quickly shifts her affections and marries Robert Ferrars, freeing Edward from his prior commitment.
Marianne, meanwhile, becomes gravely ill after recklessly wandering in the rain. Colonel Brandon tenderly cares for her, and she begins to appreciate his steady devotion. Her near-death experience prompts her to reflect on her past foolishness and to value sense alongside sensibility.
In the end, Edward proposes to Elinor, and they marry, beginning a life of mutual respect and affection. Marianne accepts Colonel Brandon’s love, finding happiness in his stability and kindness. The Dashwood sisters thus learn to balance emotion with reason, embodying both sense and sensibility in their lives.
Themes :-
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Sense vs. Sensibility – The central theme contrasts sense (reason, self-control, practicality, shown by Elinor) with sensibility (emotion, passion, impulsiveness, shown by Marianne). The novel suggests a balanced combination of both is essential for happiness.
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Love and Marriage – Austen examines how love is influenced by social status, money, and character. True love is shown to require both emotional connection and practical stability.
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Wealth and Social Class – Inheritance, property, and income determine a person’s marriage prospects and social standing. The Dashwood sisters face limitations because of their reduced fortune.
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Family and Duty – The novel explores loyalty, moral responsibility, and the influence of family obligations, often in conflict with personal happiness.
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Self-knowledge and Maturity – Both Elinor and Marianne grow through their experiences, learning to balance emotion with reason and to judge character wisely.
Symbols :-
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Cottages and Houses – The contrast between Norland Park, Barton Cottage, and other estates symbolizes social class and financial security. Moving from a grand estate to a modest cottage reflects the Dashwoods’ loss of wealth and status.
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Gifts and Keepsakes – Items like Marianne’s lock of hair given to Willoughby symbolize emotional intimacy and trust. When he returns them, it symbolizes broken love and betrayal.
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Letters – Letters in the novel represent truth or deception depending on the sender. Elinor’s careful reading of letters shows reason, while Marianne’s emotional reaction to Willoughby’s letter shows sensibility.
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The Pianoforte – Marianne’s musical performances symbolize her romantic and passionate nature. Her music also reflects her changing emotional state throughout the novel.
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Weather and Nature – Storms and rain often mirror Marianne’s emotional turbulence, while calm, clear days reflect moments of peace and resolution.
Conclusion :-
In Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen presents a timeless exploration of the balance between reason and emotion. Through the contrasting personalities of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, the novel shows that happiness in life and love requires both practical sense and heartfelt sensibility. By the end, Elinor’s patience and self-control are rewarded with a marriage to Edward Ferrars, while Marianne’s emotional maturity allows her to appreciate Colonel Brandon’s steady devotion. Austen’s conclusion reinforces the idea that personal growth, moral integrity, and a balanced temperament lead to lasting fulfillment, making the novel both a romantic story and a moral lesson.
Basic Introduction about Elinor and Marianne Dashwood
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Elinor Dashwood – The eldest Dashwood sister, symbolizing sense. She is practical, calm, and self-controlled, often putting her family’s needs before her own. Elinor handles love and disappointment with quiet dignity.
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Marianne Dashwood – The middle Dashwood sister, symbolizing sensibility. She is passionate, emotional, and impulsive, believing in romantic ideals. Marianne follows her heart openly, which makes her vulnerable but also sincere.
1. Personality and Outlook
- Elinor Dashwood – Represents “sense” in the novel. She is calm, rational, and emotionally self-disciplined. Elinor carefully weighs her actions, always considering the feelings and needs of others before her own.
- Marianne Dashwood – Represents “sensibility” (in Austen’s time, meaning deep emotion and passion). She is romantic, impulsive, and guided by her feelings rather than reason. Marianne believes in following the heart without compromise.
2. Approach to Love and Relationships
- Elinor – Keeps her affection for Edward Ferrars private, even when she learns about his engagement to Lucy Steele. She endures her heartbreak silently, valuing dignity and emotional control over public display.
- Marianne – Falls deeply in love with Willoughby and expresses it openly, without regard for social restraint. She believes love must be intense and dramatic, which leaves her vulnerable to heartbreak.
3. Response to Adversity
- Elinor – Faces disappointment with quiet resilience. She does not allow personal grief to interfere with her duties toward family and society.
- Marianne – Reacts to loss with extreme emotional displays—crying, isolating herself, and neglecting her health after Willoughby’s betrayal. Her emotional excess nearly leads to her death.
4. Relationship with Society
- Elinor – Understands and respects social conventions, even when they conflict with personal desires. She believes in maintaining appearances for the sake of harmony and respectability.
- Marianne – Disregards societal expectations if they clash with her feelings. She openly judges people she finds insincere or unromantic, sometimes appearing rude or naïve in public.
5. Personal Growth
- Elinor – Already balanced at the start of the novel; her journey is about enduring trials while holding true to her principles.
- Marianne – Undergoes significant transformation. After illness and self-reflection, she learns to value sense alongside sensibility, eventually accepting Colonel Brandon’s steady love.
6. Representation of Theme
- Elinor – Symbolizes reason, stability, and moral strength.
- Marianne – Symbolizes passion, spontaneity, and the dangers of unchecked emotion.
Final Contrast:
Elinor and Marianne start as opposites—one the voice of reason, the other of passion—but by the novel’s end, they both grow toward a middle ground. Elinor retains her sense but gains more openness in expressing emotion, while Marianne tempers her sensibility with wisdom and self-control. Together, they illustrate Jane Austen’s central message: true happiness comes from balancing head and heart.
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