Cries and Whispers Summary and Analysis

Unbeknownst to Callahan, his family has noted his absence and now struggles with an uncooperative coast guard in an attempt to locate him. Callahan wakes on the morning of March 19th, well rested but still mourning the lost dorado from the day before. He sees the tragic waste of life and food as a bad omen. Preparing to fish, Callahan reinforces his now cracked speargun with loops of rope. Despite this precaution, the next dorado snaps off the spear casing and the spearhead along with it. In its thrashings, the fish rips open a gaping, four-inch hole in the lower tube of the raft. Callahan is shocked and dismayed as the lower tube deflates.

The lower half of the raft sinks into the water. Callahan frantically plugs the breach with a piece of foam. Forcibly pulling the...