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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. What assistance for the old man does the boy try to get?
(a) He tries to get a new sail for Santiago's boat.
(b) He tries to get his mother to make food for Santiago.
(c) He tries to get the boat he is now on to go far out near the old man.
(d) He tries to get better bait for Santiago.

2. Why does Santiago tell the fish not to jump?
(a) For fear that the line will have to be let out again.
(b) For fear that it will flood the boat.
(c) For fear that the hook will work itself loose.
(d) For fear that it will attract sharks.

3. How does the old man think he could have made better preparation for eating the raw fish?
(a) Splashing sea water on the bow and letting it dry to get the salt.
(b) Soaking it in sea water before eating it.
(c) Cutting it up as soon as he caught it and letting it sun dry.
(d) Chopping it up into smaller pieces.

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. What is Santiago's plan as the fist keeps circling?
(a) To jump in to fight the fish.
(b) To let out the line.
(c) To give the fish less and less line.
(d) To let the boat turn around and around as the fish circles.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the old man eat to get more strength after he washed his face and hands?

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

3. Who does Santiago say should get the head of the marlin?

4. What does Santiago dream of?

5. How thick is the line the old man uses to catch big fish?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Santiago's first sighting of the marlin.

2. What is the metaphoric significance of the arm wrestling match in Casablanca?

3. How does Hemingway demonstrate Santiago's expertise as a sailor and fisherman?

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

5. Aside from the times that Santiago actually says, "I'm lonely", how does Hemingway emphasize that situation?

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

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

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

9. After Santiago manages to kill the shovel-nosed sharks that have taken about a quarter of the meat off his marlin, how does he feel?

10. What happens when the first shark attacks the marlin?

(see the answer keys)

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