Language Services by Alan M

Book Club: March A

Course Guide

Precision Language Studio

Book: The Old Man and the Sea — Ernest Hemingway

Course ID: 202603101A

Instructor: Alan M, Precision Language Studio

1. Course Overview

This reading group will explore The Old Man and the Sea through four weekly discussions focusing on themes, character motivations, symbolism, and interpretation.

Participants are expected to read the assigned sections before each meeting and bring one prepared thought for each discussion.

The goal of the course is to use English as a medium for thoughtful discussion of literature and ideas rather than focusing on grammar or vocabulary drills.

2. Course Schedule

WeekDateTopicAssigned Reading
Week 1March 14Introduction & Early ThemesTBD
Week 2March 21The Struggle with the MarlinTBD
Week 3March 28Triumph and LossTBD
Week 4April 11Meaning and InterpretationTBD

Due to prior commitments, the class originally to be held on April 4 will be postponed one week to April 11.

3. Suggested Book Edition

Participants should read the following edition so that page references match during discussion.

Book: The Old Man and the Sea
Author: Ernest Hemingway
ISBN: 9780099273967

Purchase link (誠品): https://www.eslite.com/product/1002143831371954 

Other editions are acceptable, but page numbers may differ.

4. About the Author

Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961) was an American novelist and short story writer known for his clear prose style and exploration of themes such as courage, endurance, and the human struggle against adversity.

He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954, and The Old Man and the Sea remains one of his most widely read works.

5. About the Book

Published in 1952, The Old Man and the Sea tells the story of Santiago, an aging fisherman who engages in an epic struggle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.

Although the story is simple on the surface, it explores deeper themes such as:

  • perseverance
  • dignity in struggle
  • the relationship between humans and nature
  • the meaning of success and failure

Because of its symbolic richness, the novel is often interpreted as an allegory of the human condition.

6. Before You Begin Reading

As you begin the book, consider the following questions. You do not need to answer them formally, but they may help guide your thinking.

  • What kind of person is Santiago?
  • Why does he continue fishing despite repeated failure?
  • What does the sea represent in the story?
  • What might the marlin symbolize?
  • Why might Hemingway have written the story in such a simple style?

7. Questions to Consider While Reading

As you read each section, you might reflect on questions such as:

  • What motivates the characters?
  • What moments seem especially meaningful or symbolic?
  • How does the author create tension in the story?
  • What themes seem to emerge as the story develops?
  • Do your feelings about the characters change over time?

Bring at least one prepared thought or question from the reading to each session.

8. Suggested Optional Resources

Participants who are interested may find the following resources helpful.

Author biography
https://www.biography.com/writer/ernest-hemingway 

Literary analysis
https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/oldman/

Historical context
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ernest-Hemingway

These resources are optional and may provide additional perspectives on the book.

9. Reading Tips

You do not need to understand every word while reading. Focus on:

  • the story
  • the characters
  • the ideas being explored

If you encounter unfamiliar vocabulary, you may choose to record it in your Adkins vocabulary journal.

10. Looking Ahead

Future reading selections in the program may include:

  • The Pearl — John Steinbeck
  • Fahrenheit 451 — Ray Bradbury
  • Animal Farm — George Orwell