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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 does the old man know the winds will blow all night?
(a) From the curve of his sail.
(b) From the clouds.
(c) From the currents.
(d) From the seagulls.

2. What effect did his movement and the hot sun during the day have on Santiago?
(a) His hand uncramped.
(b) There was more bleeding from the cuts on his hands.
(c) He felt like a young man again.
(d) His backache went away.

3. What does Santiago consider as his principal friends on the ocean?
(a) The flying fish.
(b) The dolphins.
(c) The giant turtles.
(d) The song birds.

4. What happens while Santiago and the boy enjoy a beer on the Terrace?
(a) Santiago discovers that he has no money to pay for the beer.
(b) Santiago feels sad because only the boy will sit and drink with him.
(c) The boy gets drunk because his is not used to drinking beer.
(d) Some of the fishermen make fun of Santiago while others feel sorry for him.

5. What advice does Santiago give the boy about the boat he is now working on?
(a) Save money and buy that boat.
(b) Leave the boat before its luck runs out.
(c) Stay there while the luck is still working for that boat.
(d) Come back and go fishing with him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What commonality does Santiago observe in deep water fish when they pick up speed?

2. What does Santiago like to read in the newspaper?

3. Santiago is pinned down and the line is rushing out around his back and through his hand, cutting them. What makes him think about the boy?

4. Why does the old man wish to take Joe DiMaggio fishing?

5. Does Santiago think of the wind as his friend?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the literary purpose of references to Joe DiMaggio in the story?

2. Aside from the times that Santiago actually says, "I'm lonely", how does Hemingway emphasize that situation?

3. There is something almost religious about Santiago's walk to his shack after landing with the bones of the marlin. Describe it.

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

5. When the big fish first takes the bait, the old man thought about what he was sure the fish would do but he did not say it out loud. Why?

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

7. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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