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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Santiago is far out at sea and the fish is from deep waters. What comparison does Santiago make?
(a) There is no one to help either of them.
(b) They must weigh about the same.
(c) Both of them are old and past their prime.
(d) They are like to gladiators in the arena.

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

3. What does Santiago think there are people who are paid to do?
(a) Understand the omens.
(b) Write books about fishing.
(c) Build bigger boats than his.
(d) Think about sin.

4. What does Santiago consider as his principal friends on the ocean?
(a) The dolphins.
(b) The flying fish.
(c) The giant turtles.
(d) The song birds.

5. What does the old man think about to build up his courage as the sun sets on the second day?
(a) He recalls killing a shark while he was swimming one day.
(b) He remembers surviving after falling overboard.
(c) He remembers arm wrestling and defeating the Negro from Cienfuegos.
(d) He thinks about how the boy looks up to him as a great fisherman.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Hemingway mean when he says that the old man harpooned the shark with resolution and complete malignancy?

2. What does the tourist woman think she is seeing as she looks at the fish skeleton?

3. When does Santiago realize the depth of his tiredness?

4. What shows up that the old man thinks of as a friend to talk to?a

5. What marlin does Santiago think about as he considers this fish he has on his line?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the man-of-war bird help Santiago catch an albacore?

2. What is the literary purpose of references to Joe DiMaggio in the story?

3. Discuss the conflict of resolution between the old man and the fish.

4. Relate the speech the boy makes to show his estimation of Santiago as a fisherman.

5. As the conflict between man and fish continues, what does Santiago contemplate to gain advantage for himself? Explain.

6. What is the bond between Santiago and the boy?

7. Why is it important for Santiago to see the fish he has caught?

8. By nightfall, Santiago recognizes a change in direction. Explain how he knows that.

9. How do you know that Santiago only intended to fish for one day when he left to go far out into the sea?

10. Discuss how Hemingway uses the man-of-war bird, the dolphins, and the flying fish to explain the nature of life in the sea.

(see the answer keys)

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