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

2. What marlin does Santiago think about as he considers this fish he has on his line?
(a) A marlin that once broke his line and got away.
(b) A female marlin that her mate kept jumping up to see where she was.
(c) The marlin he and the boy caught 86 days ago.
(d) The first marlin he ever caught.

3. What is Santiago doing when the boy returns to his shack?
(a) He is reading the baseball scores.
(b) He is making a new harpoon.
(c) He is looking for something to eat.
(d) He is still sleeping.

4. Who does the boy fear will defeat the Yankees?
(a) The Red Sox.
(b) The Baltimore Orioles.
(c) The White Sox.
(d) The Cleveland Indians.

5. What early indication does Santiago get that there are fish around where he is?
(a) He sees the man-of-war bird.
(b) He sees the waves get still.
(c) He sees his fishing line moving.
(d) He sees the fish shimmer in the dawn light.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What is a favorite topic of conversation for Santiago and the boy?

3. How does Hemingway use Joe DiMaggio's injury to show Santiago's limited education?

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

5. During the time Santiago had the marlin on his line, what does he think the marlin does not know?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the old man utilize the power of positive thinking as he struggles with the huge marlin during the night?

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

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

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

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

6. It was noon when the old man hooked the fish and four hours later he thinks about something odd. What is it?

7. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

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

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

10. While sleeping in the boat, what are Santiago's dream like?

(see the answer keys)

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