View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When the fish begins circling, what does the old man do?

2. After Santiago goes back to sleep, what is he dreaming of?

3. How many times does the old man have to stop and sit down on his way to his shack?

4. What does the old man speculate he could use to buy good luck?

5. When does Santiago plan to be out to sea?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was it simple for Santiago to defeat the Negro of Cienfuegas when they had a rematch in the spring?

2. Describe Santiago's first sighting of the marlin.

3. On the second night, describe the old man's recollection that shows how strong he was years ago.

4. Since the fish is too large to fit into the boat, how does Santiago plan on getting it back to shore?

5. Describe the conditions during the first night after Santiago caught the big fish.

6. How does Hemingway demonstrate Santiago's expertise as a sailor and fisherman?

7. How does Hemingway use conversation between the old man and the boy to show Santiago's age?

8. Santiago does not consider himself to be religious, but what happens to show that he was at one time before?

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

10. What is the bond between Santiago and the boy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about why you think Hemingway did or did not know about deep sea fishing.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about humility versus pride. Use Santiago's relationship with Manolin as support for your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about symbolism Hemingway uses in The Old Man and the Sea.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 768 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample