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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Santiago do upon waking in Part 2, after being robbed?

2. What does the old man says that conspires to see that people really get what they want?

3. In what building does Santiago spend the night before heading into the village to meet the merchant's daughter?

4. What is the Englishman in Part 3 looking for?

5. How does the decision to not return home in Part 3 make Santiago feel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the old man confirm after Santiago has sold his flock?

2. What does the principle of favorability create according to the old man?

3. What does Santiago learn to listen to as he travels with the caravan?

4. Why did Santiago's parents send him to study at the seminary?

5. In Part 2, what intensifies as Santiago debates whether to stay with his flock or continue on to Egypt?

6. In regard to traveling, what is Santiago's father sure?

7. How does Santiago earn money from the crystal merchant?

8. After Santiago gives one-tenth of his sheep to the old man, what happens to the remainder of his flock?

9. How does Santiago travel to the Egyptian pyramids after leaving the crystal merchant's shop?

10. Why doesn't Santiago buy a ticket to the Egyptian pyramids?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout this novel, the forces of nature figure prominently. Describe, in detail, how the forces of nature are critical components to the story. Be sure to use supporting details from the text.

Essay Topic 2

What do you think is the most ironic event of this novel? Use specific events from the text to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 3

As Santiago embarked on his trip with the caravan, the leader told him that disobedience often means death in the desert. Explain what he means by this statement. Provide examples to support your hypothesis; they do not need to be from the text, but certainly can be from it.

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