After the attack of the Mako shark, Santiago says, "Think about something cheerful, old man," he said. "Every minute now you are closer to home. You sail lighter for the loss of forty pounds." What does this passage say about Santiago's character? A. he is happy that the fish weighs less B. he is trying to think of something funny C. he is optimistic about life D. he can't wait to get home

C.

Explanation:

The given text is taken from the novella written by Ernest Hemingway titled "The Old Man and The Sea."

Santiago is the protagonist of the novella, an old Cuban fisherman. From the beginning of the novella, the old man was shown facing difficulties right from unable to catch fish for eighty-four days. Yet, the old man did not lose hope and sailed further where no one dared to go. This reveals that the old man was brave and optimistic.

The same characteristic of the old man is picturised in the given text. The old man after killing the Marlin was taking it back to home and while taking it back to home Mako shark attacked the Marlin and destroyed it. This time in the passage, the old man is being optimistic, though he also felt destroyed with the Marlin. The old man is engaged in self-talk and being positive about the whole thing.

So, the correct answer is option C.

yes the first one is correct .

answer: common sense was the pamphlet that thomas paine used to convince reluctant americans to abandon the goal of reconciling with britain and to accept that independence was the only option to preserve their liberty.