“He spat into the ocean and said, “Eat that, galanos. And make a dream you’ve killed a man.”
Explore This Quote Further
The Power of Words in Modern Society
In this quote by Ernest Hemingway, the act of spitting into the ocean and speaking harsh words to the wind represents the power of language and the impact our words can have on the world around us. We can draw a parallel to how our actions and words in today's society can echo and influence others, reminding us of the importance of mindfulness in our communication.
Analysis of Quote by Ernest Hemingway
In this quote by Ernest Hemingway, the speaker spits into the ocean and taunts the fish, nicknamed "galanos," as if challenging it to make a dream about killing a man. This quote showcases themes of masculinity, dominance, and the power dynamics between man and nature. Hemingway often explores these themes in his works, portraying characters who assert their control over their environment in various ways. This quote captures the bravado and competitiveness that are often associated with Hemingway's protagonists, while also highlighting the darker and more violent aspects of human nature.
Example of Usage
In Ernest Hemingway's novel, the character demonstrates his disdain towards the ocean by spitting into it and taunting it to create a visceral and disturbing dream for him. This quote showcases the character's tough and uncompromising nature, as well as the hostile relationship he has with nature.
Reflection Questions
This quote from Ernest Hemingway's writing may evoke different emotions and thoughts in each individual who reads it. Reflect on the following questions:
- What emotions does this quote evoke in you?
- What do you think the author is trying to convey with this statement?
- How does the imagery of spitting into the ocean and wishing for a dream of killing a man make you feel?
- How does this quote make you think about the impact of our words and actions on the world around us?
- Do you believe there is a deeper meaning or symbolism behind this quote?
Similar quotes
“They would hit a man in the water, if they were hungry, even if the man had no smell of fish blood nor of fish slime on him.“Ay,” the old man said. “Galanos. Come on galanos.”
“I have never seen or heard of such a fish. But I must kill him. I am glad we do not have to try to kill the stars.” Imagine if each day a man must try to kill the moon, he thought. The moon runs away. . . . Then he was sorry for the great fish that had nothing to eat and his determination to kill him never relaxed in his sorrow for him. . . . There is no one worthy of eating him from the manner of his behavior and his great dignity. I do not understand these things, he thought. But it is good that we do not have to try to kill the sun or the moon or the stars. It is enough to live on the sea and kill our true brothers.”
“You never kill anyone you want to kill in a war, he said to himself.”
“Fish," the old man said. "Fish, you are going to have to die anyway. Do you have to kill me too?”
“The fish is my friend too... I have never seen or heard of such a fish. But I must kill him. I am glad we do not have to try to kill the stars. Imagine if each day a man must try to kill the moon, he thought. The moon runs away. But imagine if a man each day should have to try to kill the sun? We were born lucky; he thought”
“But man is not made for defeat," he said. "A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”