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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 does the old man think about a cramp?
(a) It will make him stop fishing.
(b) It is something that goes away quickly.
(c) It is better than having to vomit.
(d) It humiliates oneself.

2. Why does Santiago decide to go farther out to sea than usual?
(a) He wants to get away from other boats.
(b) He has never been far out before.
(c) He thinks big fish may be out where the schools of bonito and albacore stay.
(d) He thinks the nearer waters have been fished out.

3. What shows up that the old man thinks of as a friend to talk to?a
(a) An albacore.
(b) A sea turtle.
(c) A flying fish.
(d) A warbler.

4. What does Santiago promise that he cannot do right at the moment?
(a) Say a hundred Our Fathers and a hundred Hail Marys.
(b) Get himself a larger boat.
(c) Go to church every morning.
(d) Always bring the boy with him.

5. What does Santiago reply when the boy asks how much he suffered?
(a) Not at all.
(b) Not much.
(c) Plenty.
(d) Only my hands.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the boy not go out with the fishing boats the morning of Santiago's return?

2. What does Santiago imagine was the reason the fish finally jumped?

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

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

5. What tells Santiago that he is becoming unclear in the head?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Describe the scene that shows the good nature and high character of Santiago.

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

8. What does the fish do that helps revive Santiago from his weariness?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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