Question

When the marlin is circling and then hits the wire leader with his spear, Santiago is afraid the fish will jump out of the water again. Why doesn't he want him to jump now?

A. He's afraid the marlin will end up jumping in the boat and sink him.
B. It will make the wound opening larger and the fish could get away.
C. It will create a splash of water so close to the boat and he doesn't want to swamp the boat.
D. He's fearful that if the fish jumps again it will put more of a strain on Santiago's back.

Answer 1

B - It will make the wound opening larger and the fish could get away.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the rising action his hand started to bleed do to what he thought was loss of attention. The wound on his hand now, he's afraid if the fish 'does' jump out again, he won't be able to hold the fish's strength whilst enduring that much pain. He is just an old man after all.