* The sharks: The marlin, already severely wounded, becomes prey to a succession of sharks who feast on its flesh. Santiago desperately tries to protect his prize, but the sharks are relentless and he eventually loses almost the entire marlin.
* Returning home: Despite the loss of the marlin, Santiago remains proud and resolute. He returns to the village, exhausted but with the skeleton of the marlin as evidence of his struggle.
* The admiration: The villagers, initially skeptical, are filled with awe when they see the size of the marlin's bones. They recognize the old man's incredible courage and endurance.
This section of the story serves to highlight Santiago's strength and resilience in the face of defeat. Although he loses his prize, he gains respect and admiration from his community. The falling action also emphasizes the theme of the inherent cruelty of nature, contrasting Santiago's human compassion with the relentless predatory instincts of the sharks.