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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When the fish begins circling, what does the old man do?
(a) He carefuly starts pulling in the line.
(b) He gives the fish more line.
(c) He ties down the line to wait for the fish to tire.
(d) He runs up the skiff's sail.

2. How does Santiago justify killing the shark?
(a) The reward money.
(b) Saving other lives.
(c) Self-defense.
(d) Respect for the marlin.

3. What is the meaning of salao?
(a) Extreme bad luck.
(b) A greeting.
(c) A small room.
(d) The champion.

4. What amusing thing does the old man say to the fish as the fish begins to come nearer the skiff?
(a) Fish, you are going to die. Do you have to kill me, too?
(b) Fish, why don't you just give up?
(c) Fish, you will look good hanging from my wall.
(d) Fish, don't you understand that you are beaten already?

5. Who helps Santiago as he lands his boat?
(a) The boy.
(b) The fishermen who are laughing at him.
(c) No one. Everyone is at home in bed.
(d) The whole city turns out to welcome him back.

6. Why do the other fishermen think of the sea in the masculine, el mar?
(a) They see it as a generous man.
(b) They see it as a dangerous enemy.
(c) They like to think of themselves being as strong as the sea.
(d) They take shark livers from the sea.

7. What shows up that the old man thinks of as a friend to talk to?a
(a) An albacore.
(b) A warbler.
(c) A sea turtle.
(d) A flying fish.

8. How does he get something to eat?
(a) He eats some of the rotting sardines and hopes it does not make him sick.
(b) He puts the small line into the water and catches a tuna.
(c) He cuts a slice out of the marlin.
(d) He catches seaweed and shakes the small shrimp out of it.

9. His back is already hurting him, and then what begins to give him pain?
(a) He cuts himself with a knife.
(b) His hand cramps.
(c) His neck hurts from continually looking down at the water.
(d) The sunlight gives him a headache.

10. How many times does the old man have to stop and sit down on his way to his shack?
(a) 3 times.
(b) 6 times.
(c) 5 times.
(d) 2 times.

11. Who does Santiago say should get the head of the marlin?
(a) Pedrico.
(b) The alcalde.
(c) Himself.
(d) The boy.

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

13. How does the old man console himself as he returns home?
(a) He will never have to go fishing again.
(b) The boy will be there waiting for him.
(c) He promises himself never to go that far out again.
(d) There is little damage to his boat.

14. What does Santiago think about giving up hope?
(a) He believes it is being real.
(b) He believes it is all he can do now.
(c) He believes it is a sin.
(d) He believes there is no such thing as hope.

15. 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) He is no physical match for the marlin.
(c) The marlin is getting very tired and the game is about over.
(d) It will take another day to bring in this marlin.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which line below gives an indication of Santiago's respect for nature?

2. What are Santiago's last three weapons he can use against the sharks?

3. What does Santiago wish he could show the fish?

4. What happens by midnight as Santiago returns to the land?

5. As Santiago keeps vigil over his line, what does he wish for?

(see the answer keys)

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