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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Detailed Summary & Analysis.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Hemingway mean when he says that the old man harpooned the shark with resolution and complete malignancy?
(a) The old man was acting out of instinct.
(b) The old man was motivated by hate.
(c) The old man was unsure of what to do.
(d) The old man was dying of skin cancer.

2. Thinking about what the marlin can see deep in the water, how does Santiago recall his own vision years ago?
(a) He remembers that horses are blind at night.
(b) He remembers he once had night vision like a cat.
(c) He recalls not ever seeing well after the sun went down.
(d) He recalls being able to see in total darkness.

3. What does Santiago plan to do to change his luck?
(a) He takes his lucky charms with him.
(b) He gets the priest to bless his boat.
(c) He plans to row far out to fish.
(d) He buys a new sail for his boat.

4. As his head becomes unclear again, what does Santiago ask himself?
(a) Why didn't I just tow him behind the skiff?
(b) Is he bringing me in or am I bringing him in?
(c) Why am I not dreaming of lions?
(d) What happened to the marlin's dignity?

5. What does the old man think is a greater punishment for the marlin than the hook in his mouth?
(a) The fact that he cannot sleep.
(b) Hunger and fighting something he does no comprehend.
(c) Sharks that he cannot escape because of the hook and line.
(d) The indignity of being caught by a man.

Short Answer Questions

1. As he heads home and stops to look back, what does Santiago see?

2. How does the boy act defensively about Santiago as the fishermen look at the marlin's skeleton?

3. By nightfall of the third day, what does Santiago expect to see?

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

5. What commonality does Santiago observe in deep water fish when they pick up speed?

(see the answer key)

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