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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. Even though the boy can no longer fish with Santiago, how does he show his loyalty?
(a) He invites him to his parents' house for supper.
(b) He helps Santiago repaint his boat.
(c) He goes every day to help him unload his equipment.
(d) He gives Santiago a new sail for his boat.

2. What does Santiago think is unjust but something he must do?
(a) Cut the marlin loose and go back saying he had another day of bad luck.
(b) Kill the great fish on the end of his line.
(c) Eat more raw fish to survive.
(d) Act strange for the boy.

3. When the marlin slows and is steady, Santiago finally gets some sleep. What does he dream of instead of lions?
(a) Cutting his hand on the fishing line.
(b) A flight on a plane.
(c) A vast school of porpoises.
(d) Arm wrestling with the marlin.

4. Santiago hates these sharks because they were something more than killers like the Mako shark. What is that?
(a) Man eaters.
(b) Scavengers.
(c) Stupid.
(d) Ugly.

5. What does Santiago look for as he sails toward the land?
(a) Dangerous reefs he might wreck on.
(b) Sails or smoke from ships.
(c) Evidence of sharks in the water.
(d) Signs of land up ahead.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Why is Santiago so sure that the Yankees will win their next games?

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

4. What does Santiago suddenly realize he has been doing?

5. What assistance for the old man does the boy try to get?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the physical infirmity that begins to plague Santiago on the second day at sea.

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

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

4. What significance does Santiago place on the sudden pull the fish makes on the line after swimming steadily all night long?

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

6. How does the conflict intensify on the second night?

7. How does Santiago think about the night time conflict between himself and the great fish?

8. Why was it simple for Santiago to defeat the Negro of Cienfuegas when they had a rematch in the spring?

9. Explain the meaning of the statement that Santiago loved the lions in his dreams like he loved the boy.

10. How does Santiago show his resolution as he holds the line and thinks about all the things the fish might do?

(see the answer keys)

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