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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 is the boy's name?
(a) Jose.
(b) Manolin.
(c) Pedrico.
(d) Gabriel.

2. What funny thing does Santiago say to himself after thinking about what he had not brought with him on this fishing trip?
(a) I caught the biggest fish ever but no one will believe it.
(b) If more sharks come and eat the rest of the fish, the boat will go faster.
(c) Imagine all that work just to feed the sharks.
(d) You give me much good counsel. I'm tired of it.

3. After many tries to get the marlin alongside the skiff, what does Santiago reach for?
(a) Another bite of flying fish.
(b) His harpoon.
(c) His water bottle.
(d) His large casting net.

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

5. What does the fisherman say about the marlin to the boy?
(a) Why would the old man bring back only bones?
(b) There is nothing left but head, tail, and bones.
(c) He was eighteen feet from nose to tail.
(d) I need a tape to measure this fish.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the tourist woman think she is seeing as she looks at the fish skeleton?

2. Santiago is far out at sea and the fish is from deep waters. What comparison does Santiago make?

3. What makes the flying fish jump out of the water and scatter feverishly?

4. What does the old man think he killed the fish for besides food and to keep himself alive?

5. After killing the Mako shark, what is Santiago aware of as missing?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Discuss how Hemingway uses the man-of-war bird, the dolphins, and the flying fish to explain the nature of life in the sea.

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

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

8. Describe Santiago's meal on the second day and why he was so pleased after he ate.

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

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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