Description
The Old Man and the Sea Literature Study Guide
Select the Printed Workbook or CD to see format-specific information, features, and included materials.
A classic tale of the struggle of man against nature.
After 84 days without taking a fish it is Santiago's courage and perseverance of character that enables him to go out to sea in his weather-beaten boat each day despite the hardship and the disappointment of catching nothing.
In the midst of ridicule from younger fishermen, Santiago finds courage in his friendship with a young boy, Manolin, who has fished with Santiago since he was five years old. But because of Santiago's "bad luck," Manolin's parents will not allow the boy to fish with Santiago anymore.
Then Santiago goes out once more, further than usual, and he catches something—something large that pulls him and his boat out to sea. His endurance during the ordeal and in the face of apparent defeat is the stuff of legends!
What Progeny Press' The Old Man and the Sea Literature Curriculum Study Guide provides your High School student:
ELA Built for Ages 15–18 • Grades 9–12
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
English/Language Arts credit: This is a one-quarter credit high school level Literature curriculum.
Author Biography: Learn about Ernest Hemingway and the fascinating history behind the author and novel.
Vocabulary: Understand words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: In-context, characterization, plot, exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, conflict, foreshadowing, symbol, personification, parallel character, synonym, stream of consciousness, descriptive language, themes, dynamic vs. static characters, Christ-like figure, hero, protagonist, tragic hero, anti-hero.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: True faith, pride & humility, work of our hands all for God, work hard to succeed, vows and God, prayer, encouragement, God’s love and faithfulness, hope, resolve, motives, attitude, sin, outer hurt cannot touch us inside, blame, partnership, bad things can happen to good people.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Mapwork, research WWI Lost Generation, deep-sea fishing, courage discussion, author writing style, research Jo DiMaggio, essay about future dreams/plans, sea creatures and birds, write using stream of consciousness, creative art or painting, poems, difficult situation essay, narrative style, advice list, Christian imagery and allusions, discouragement vs. encouragement, optimism vs. pessimism, achievement and loss.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books and movies that tie in with, or are similar to, Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.
The Old Man and the Sea Literature Study Guide - Workbook
Formatted with your High School student in mind, Progeny Press literature study guides provide in-depth lessons and writing assignments that strengthen reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, and develop advanced literary analysis and essay writing skills. Each guide challenges students to think critically and engage meaningfully with the text, without unnecessary busywork that diminishes the joy of reading.
For over 30 years, homeschool families, co-ops, and Christian schools worldwide have trusted Progeny Press to provide rigorous, faith-based English and Language Arts curriculum that inspires thoughtful readers and confident writers.
What Progeny Press' The Old Man and the Sea Literature Curriculum Study Guide provides your High School student:
ELA Built for Ages 15–18 • Grades 9–12
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
English/Language Arts credit: This is a one-quarter credit high school level Literature curriculum.
Author Biography: Learn about Ernest Hemingway and the fascinating history behind the author and novel.
Vocabulary: Understand words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: In-context, characterization, plot, exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, conflict, foreshadowing, symbol, personification, parallel character, synonym, stream of consciousness, descriptive language, themes, dynamic vs. static characters, Christ-like figure, hero, protagonist, tragic hero, anti-hero.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: True faith, pride & humility, work of our hands all for God, work hard to succeed, vows and God, prayer, encouragement, God’s love and faithfulness, hope, resolve, motives, attitude, sin, outer hurt cannot touch us inside, blame, partnership, bad things can happen to good people.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Mapwork, research WWI Lost Generation, deep-sea fishing, courage discussion, author writing style, research Jo DiMaggio, essay about future dreams/plans, sea creatures and birds, write using stream of consciousness, creative art or painting, poems, difficult situation essay, narrative style, advice list, Christian imagery and allusions, discouragement vs. encouragement, optimism vs. pessimism, achievement and loss.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books and movies that tie in with, or are similar to, Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.
What Will You Need?
A Complete Language Arts Experience with Progeny Press
- A copy of the The Old Man and the Sea novel
- A copy of the The Old Man and the Sea study guide workbook
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (student-friendly or online)
Created for upper-level learners, this guide strengthens critical thinking and encourages polished writing while helping students master essential ELA concepts.
Designed for YOU
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for top quality ELA materials
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and writing program.
Features and Benefits FAQ – Progeny Press Physical Literature Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Printed Workbook Literature Study Guides:
- Premium Print Format: Perfect bound 8.5x11 study guide with durable heavy gloss cover and quality interior paper designed for long-term classroom and homeschool use.
- Answer Key Made Simple: Full detailed answer key included on perforated pages for quick removal before student use, making instruction easier for teachers and parents.
- Student-Friendly Design: Built-in space for written answers supports active learning, critical analysis, and organized responses directly inside the book.
- Reproducible for Classroom Use: Approved for classroom copying, making this an ideal choice for Christian schools, co-ops, and group instruction.
- Faith-Based Curriculum: Each literature guide integrates Christian worldview connections with literature study, encouraging both academic growth and character development.
- Open-and-Go Teaching: Clear lesson structure and teacher guidance allow parents and instructors to begin immediately without extra preparation. No extra devices needed. Just the book, a pencil, and a positive attitude!
- Comprehensive ELA Coverage: Strengthens reading comprehension, writing skills, vocabulary development, and literary analysis within one complete language arts program.
- Trusted for Over 30 Years: Chosen by homeschool families, Christian schools, and educators seeking reliable, high-quality literature study resources.
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
