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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does the old man get hurt when the fish yanks on the line?
(a) The line gets tangled around his feet.
(b) The yank causes his back to ache.
(c) The line cuts his hand where he was holding it.
(d) The old man falls over and hits his head.

2. Why do the sharks finally go away?
(a) They cannot see in the dark.
(b) Their heads hurt from the bat blows.
(c) They know the old man is dying.
(d) There is nothing left to eat on the marlin.

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

4. Why does Santiago wish the marlin would sleep?
(a) So he could get up and walk around.
(b) So he could catch his supper.
(c) So he could sleep and dream of lions.
(d) So he could slowly pull the marlin in.

5. How does Hemingway use Joe DiMaggio's injury to show Santiago's limited education?
(a) He has no idea what a bone spur is.
(b) He thinks DiMaggio can poke out a catcher's eye.
(c) He thinks DiMaggio has chicken feet.
(d) He pretends to know what a bone spur is.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Santiago justify killing the shark?

2. What happens to snap the old man out of his conversation with the bird?

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

4. What is Santiago's plan as the fist keeps circling?

5. What does Santiago suddenly realize he has been doing?

(see the answer key)

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