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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 Hemingway use Joe DiMaggio's injury to show Santiago's limited education?
(a) He pretends to know what a bone spur is.
(b) He thinks DiMaggio can poke out a catcher's eye.
(c) He thinks DiMaggio has chicken feet.
(d) He has no idea what a bone spur is.

2. When does Santiago finally see the lights of the city?
(a) Just as he is about to give up.
(b) After the moon rises.
(c) Early the next morning before dawn.
(d) About ten at night.

3. 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.

4. What does the old man imagine about the marlin if it had been alive?
(a) He imagines it fighting the sharks with the spear on its head.
(b) He imagines the marlin would eat the harks.
(c) He thinks the marlin could outswim the sharks.
(d) He thinks the marlin would get away because it can jump so high.

5. What last weapon does Santiago use against the sharks?
(a) The mast.
(b) A broken bottle.
(c) The tiller.
(d) His fists.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. Speaking out loud, what does Santiago say to the big fish on his line?

3. What worries Santiago as he returns to Cuba in the night?

4. What does Santiago plan to do to change his luck?

5. After killing the Mako shark, what does Santiago eat?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the first indication that Santiago has that he has caught a very large fish, even though he has not seen it and does know know what kind of fish it is.

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

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

4. Explain the significance of the scattered thoughts of the old man as he struggles to hold onto the fish.

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

6. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

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

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

9. By nightfall, Santiago recognizes a change in direction. Explain how he knows that.

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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