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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 long had their last dry spell lasted before the old man and the boy caught some good fish?
(a) 67 days.
(b) 84 days.
(c) 64 days.
(d) 86 days.

2. What early indication does Santiago get that there are fish around where he is?
(a) He sees the fish shimmer in the dawn light.
(b) He sees his fishing line moving.
(c) He sees the man-of-war bird.
(d) He sees the waves get still.

3. Something brings Santiago out of his reverie. What is it?
(a) A dolphin jumps over his boat.
(b) The wind gets stronger.
(c) Something tugging at his line.
(d) The man-of-war bird lands on his boat.

4. How does the old man think he could have made better preparation for eating the raw fish?
(a) Cutting it up as soon as he caught it and letting it sun dry.
(b) Chopping it up into smaller pieces.
(c) Splashing sea water on the bow and letting it dry to get the salt.
(d) Soaking it in sea water before eating it.

5. Why does the old man never jerk on the line?
(a) A jerk on the line might make the fish pull him overboard.
(b) It would take away too much of his own strength.
(c) His hand is too cramped up to jerk on the line.
(d) Each jerk widens the cut the hook makes and with a jump the fish might throw it off.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the old man say he has to eat in his shack?

2. What does Santiago have besides his strength?

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. After eating the raw dolphin, what does the old man promise he will do in the future?

5. Who does Santiago say should get the head of the marlin?

Short Essay Questions

1. What indicates that Santiago has no idea of catching the largest marlin ever landed in those waters?

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

3. What makes Manolin cry after he discovers the old man at his house?

4. Why was it simple for Santiago to defeat the Negro of Cienfuegas when they had a rematch in the spring?

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

6. Since the fish is too large to fit into the boat, how does Santiago plan on getting it back to shore?

7. Why is the story about an old man instead of a young one?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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