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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 the old man fear since the shark had taken about forty pounds of flesh off the marlin?
(a) That people would think he had eaten part of his catch.
(b) That there would soon be other sharks.
(c) That fishermen would say he found the marlin dead and floating in the water.
(d) That he would not win a prize for catching the largest marlin.

2. What amazes Santiago as the boy talks about their first fishing trip?
(a) That the boy cannot remember one thing about the trip.
(b) That the boy remembers everything so vividly.
(c) That so many years have passed since that time.
(d) That the boy has forgotten how big the fish was.

3. 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.

4. When Santiago sees the marlin jump out of the water, what does he realize?
(a) He and the marlin are about the same size.
(b) It will take another day to bring in this marlin.
(c) The marlin is getting very tired and the game is about over.
(d) He is no physical match for the marlin.

5. What does Santiago think might have caused the fish to jump so much?
(a) Just waking up.
(b) Hunger or fear.
(c) A school of dolphins.
(d) Needing more exercise.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does he get something to eat?

2. What does the old man do to prepare for the arrival of the shark?

3. What does the old man imagine about the marlin if it had been alive?

4. Why does the boy not go out with the fishing boats the morning of Santiago's return?

5. Why does the old man wish to take Joe DiMaggio fishing?

(see the answer key)

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