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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. How many times does the old man have to stop and sit down on his way to his shack?
(a) 5 times.
(b) 2 times.
(c) 6 times.
(d) 3 times.

2. What sound of nature replaces human sounds as Santiago rows farther and farther out to sea?
(a) The lapping of the waves against the skiff.
(b) The chatter of dolphins searching for breakfast.
(c) The hissing of the wings of flying fish.
(d) The call of humpback whales.

3. When Santiago sees the marlin jump out of the water, what does he realize?
(a) It will take another day to bring in this marlin.
(b) He is no physical match for the marlin.
(c) The marlin is getting very tired and the game is about over.
(d) He and the marlin are about the same size.

4. What does Santiago find in the dolphin's maw when he cuts it open?
(a) Two flying fish.
(b) A small turtle.
(c) A fish hook.
(d) A piece of the marlin's tail.

5. 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) Chopping it up into smaller pieces.
(d) Cutting it up as soon as he caught it and letting it sun dry.

Short Answer Questions

1. What simile does Hemingway use to show the boy's admiration for Santiago?

2. How do you know Santiago had never been up in a plane?

3. Who does Santiago think would be proud of him after he gets the fish lashed to the boat?

4. What amusing thing does the old man say to the fish as the fish begins to come nearer the skiff?

5. Why does Santiago decide to go farther out to sea than usual?

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

4. Why can the old man not let go of the line as the big fish tows his skiff farther out to sea?

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

6. How does the man-of-war bird help Santiago catch an albacore?

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

8. It is now the next day and Santiago had brought no provisions for a meal at sea. What does he have to eat?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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