The ninth graders at BA had a project culminating a novel unit on “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway. In the story, an unlucky old man hooks the largest marlin ever seen by him in all his years of fishing. The fish is so large, that he pulls the old man out to sea. Since the line between Santiago (the old man) and the marlin represents life, a life and death struggle ensues. They are both desperate to win. Santiago continuously talks to the marlin. He felt he was his brother, respected him as a worthy opponent, and loved him. The marlin never responded. The students were to give the marlin a voice. What was he experiencing in this battle? The marlin was at the top of his game, huge, beautiful, but hooked. They were alone at sea, connected. Only one contender would win the prize — Life. Above: Will Warren and Emily Potter with two of the Marlins designed by the class.