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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How thick is the line the old man uses to catch big fish?
(a) A big around as his thumb.
(b) As big around as a pencil.
(c) Very small but strong.
(d) About as thick as an oar handle.

2. How does the old man think he could have made better preparation for eating the raw fish?
(a) Chopping it up into smaller pieces.
(b) Cutting it up as soon as he caught it and letting it sun dry.
(c) Soaking it in sea water before eating it.
(d) Splashing sea water on the bow and letting it dry to get the salt.

3. What does Santiago imagine was the reason the fish finally jumped?
(a) To see what manner of man he was fighting with.
(b) To see if the hook would fall out.
(c) To get some air.
(d) To show him how big he was.

4. Why does Santiago think he may have to fight again before he reaches Havana?
(a) He is still having bad luck.
(b) The sharks know he cannot see them in the dark.
(c) There is still half of the meat left on the marlin.
(d) The boy is not there to help him.

5. Who does Santiago say should get the head of the marlin?
(a) Himself.
(b) The boy.
(c) The alcalde.
(d) Pedrico.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the old man think about to build up his courage as the sun sets on the second day?

2. During the time Santiago had the marlin on his line, what does he think the marlin does not know?

3. How does he know which way to sail?

4. What is Santiago missing that will not allow him to attract a flying fish to land in his skiff?

5. What amusing thing does the old man say to the fish as the fish begins to come nearer the skiff?

Short Essay Questions

1. While sleeping in the boat, what are Santiago's dream like?

2. Describe the danger the Portuguese man-of-war man of war poses to a fisherman in a boat.

3. How do you know that Santiago only intended to fish for one day when he left to go far out into the sea?

4. How does Santiago show his resolution as he holds the line and thinks about all the things the fish might do?

5. Discuss the conflict of resolution between the old man and the fish.

6. When there is another bite on one of his other lines, Santiago cuts it loose. Why?

7. There is something almost religious about Santiago's walk to his shack after landing with the bones of the marlin. Describe it.

8. What significance does Santiago place on the sudden pull the fish makes on the line after swimming steadily all night long?

9. Toward the end of the second day, Santiago assesses his situation and thinks he has several new advantages. What are they?

10. What is the literary purpose of references to Joe DiMaggio in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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