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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. After Santiago goes back to sleep, what is he dreaming of?
(a) Sharks.
(b) Lions.
(c) Catching a larger fish.
(d) Broken knives.

2. What does Santiago believe are in the sea?
(a) Friends and enemies.
(b) Mermaids and shells.
(c) Fish bigger than the marlin he caught.
(d) Sharks and seaweed.

3. What does the boy order for Santiago at the Terrace Cafe?
(a) A bag of ice to help bring down his fever.
(b) Two bottles of warm beer.
(c) Yellow rice and fried fish.
(d) Hot coffee with plenty of milk and sugar.

4. What does the old man do to prepare for the arrival of the shark?
(a) He thinks he is dreaming.
(b) He tosses the rotting fish carcasses overboard to distract the shark.
(c) He baits a hook and throws out another line.
(d) He gets his harpoon ready.

5. What contrast does Santiago think about that shows the hard work ahead of him as night falls?
(a) He considers the difference between night and day while fishing.
(b) He thinks about how deep the marlin is and how high the stars are.
(c) He thinks about how much larger the marlin is than the tiny stars.
(d) He thinks about having to kill the marlin and is glad he does not have to kill the stars.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of sharks came the second time?

2. How does the boy act defensively about Santiago as the fishermen look at the marlin's skeleton?

3. What does Santiago mean when he thinks that man is not made for defeat?

4. What early indication does Santiago get that there are fish around where he is?

5. How long had Santiago gone without catching a fish?

Short Essay Questions

1. On the second night, describe the old man's recollection that shows how strong he was years ago.

2. Discuss the idea of luck in The Old Man and the Sea.

3. Describe the last moments that define the valor of the great marlin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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