The Old Man and the Sea (New Windmills KS3)
The New windmill series
on Goodreads (1,237)
What’s inside...
One of a series of top-quality fiction for schools, this is Hemingway's Nobel Prize-winning story of a Cuban fisherman's struggle with a great fish - a struggle between man and the elements, the hunter and the hunted. Traditional Chinese edition of The Old Man and The Sea is edited for young adults. The story is told with text and graphics and is accompanied with Zhuying (phonetic annotation). A reading guide of this Hemingway classic helps young readers develop their writing skills. In Traditional Chinese. Distributed by Tsai Fong Books, Inc.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-16
Length
92 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Santiago
Manolin
Discussion points
What do you think the sea represents in the story?
How does the old man’s relationship with the young boy change throughout the book?
What can we learn about perseverance from the old man’s struggles?
How do you think the old man feels about the fish he is trying to catch?
What does the old man's journey teach us about success and failure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the characters and their motivations. Ask them to relate the old man's journey to any personal challenges they've faced. Discuss the notion of resilience and how it can be applied in their own life. Use examples from the book to highlight themes of friendship, respect for nature, and the value of hard work. Validate their responses and thoughts to foster a supportive discussion atmosphere.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: The protagonist, an old fisherman named Santiago, struggles to catch a giant marlin. Despite many obstacles, he continues his quest, demonstrating unwavering determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether it's completing a difficult school project or mastering a new skill in sports or music.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Santiago shows great respect for the sea and the creatures within it, treating the marlin with honor even as he battles to catch it.
Real-World Application: This story can teach children the importance of respecting the environment and all living things, emphasizing the value of conservation and empathy towards nature.
Example Lesson: Pride and humility
Explanation: Santiago takes pride in his abilities as a fisherman but also recognizes his limitations and the power of the natural world, illustrating a balance between pride and humility.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take pride in their accomplishments but also to remain humble and acknowledge the contributions and strengths of others.
Example Lesson: The value of mentorship
Explanation: The young boy, Manolin, learns fishing and life skills from Santiago, showing how mentorship can impact personal and professional growth.
Real-World Application: This theme encourages children to seek guidance from elders or mentors, appreciating the knowledge and experience they can offer.