old man and the sea

First of all, he lets the marlin take out quite a bit of line. This gives the marlin the feeling that he is free as he pulls the old man's boat out to sea.

Second, he is patient while waiting for the marlin to really take the bait. He talks to the marlin (and also to himself) in his communion with the nature that has supported him all his life.

He curves the rope around his back and uses it to pull the marlin closer to the boat. He is old, but he is strong, and even though his hands hurt him desperately, he will not give up until the marlin is reeled in and secured to the boat.