thwart
What is a seat across a boat on which a rower may sit
fathoms
What is Units of length equal to six feet
The Old Man embodies the idea of working hard through adversity and doubt. This represents this theme or idea. (Hint: it was a topic on the movie)
What is Perseverance
iridescent
What is Producing a display of lustrous, rainbowlike colors
devise
What is To form, plan, or arrange in one's mind; design or contrive
malignancy
What is Something disposed to do evil; highly injurious
Since the Old Man endures a great deal of pain, has his heroism go largely unnoticed, has a small group of devoted followers, and ultimately dies, it is clear that he is one of these "figures."
What is a Christ-figure