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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. Why does the boy not go out with the fishing boats the morning of Santiago's return?
(a) He found Santiago dead in his shack.
(b) The winds were too strong for the boats to sail that morning.
(c) He wanted to stay on the shore and watch for the old man's return.
(d) He was too tired from fishing the day before.

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

3. Does Santiago think of the wind as his friend?
(a) No, because it is fickle.
(b) No, because it storms a lot in the Caribbean.
(c) Yes, because it is always there.
(d) Yes. Sometimes.

4. What effect did his movement and the hot sun during the day have on Santiago?
(a) His hand uncramped.
(b) There was more bleeding from the cuts on his hands.
(c) He felt like a young man again.
(d) His backache went away.

5. 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.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Santiago imagine Joe DiMaggio would be able to do what he is doing with the marlin?

2. In great pain from the cold, what does the old man hope for?

3. What disappointment does the old man feel because he has been out in his boat for days?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the story about an old man instead of a young one?

2. How does Santiago compare himself to the great sea turtles that are as big as a skiff and weigh a ton?

3. When there is another bite on one of his other lines, Santiago cuts it loose. Why?

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

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

6. Toward the end of the second day, Santiago assesses his situation and thinks he has several new advantages. What are they?

7. What new indication tells Santiago and the reader that this is a truly remarkable fish after the moonlight jump?

8. After the marlin jumps during the night, there is a lull. What does it allow Santiago to do?

9. Why did Santiago decide he could sleep a while on the second night?

10. Describe the conditions during the first night after Santiago caught the big fish.

(see the answer keys)

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