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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 happens by midnight as Santiago returns to the land?
(a) His hands are well enough to use both of them with the club.
(b) He is able to fight off the sharks in the dark.
(c) The sharks leave as he gets near the city.
(d) The sharks come in a pack to get the rest of the marlin.

2. What does the old man think is a greater punishment for the marlin than the hook in his mouth?
(a) The indignity of being caught by a man.
(b) Hunger and fighting something he does no comprehend.
(c) The fact that he cannot sleep.
(d) Sharks that he cannot escape because of the hook and line.

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

4. How thick is the line the old man uses to catch big fish?
(a) A big around as his thumb.
(b) As big around as a pencil.
(c) About as thick as an oar handle.
(d) Very small but strong.

5. Speaking out loud, what does Santiago say to the big fish on his line?
(a) For heaven's sake, turn around and go the other way.
(b) Come on up and let me get a good look at you!
(c) I'll stay with you until I'm dead!
(d) Fish, aren't you getting tired yet?

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Santiago wish he could show the fish?

2. What does the old man call the business of getting the marlin lashed to the skiff?

3. Why does Santiago wish the marlin would sleep?

4. After he finally gets to the shack and puts down the mast, what does Santiago find?

5. As Santiago keeps vigil over his line, what does he wish for?

Short Essay Questions

1. Santiago recalls that he used to sing on the turtle boats, whereas now he talks out loud to himself. When does he think the talking began?

2. Describe the relationship between Manolin and Santiago.

3. How does Santiago compare himself to the great sea turtles that are as big as a skiff and weigh a ton?

4. After Santiago manages to kill the shovel-nosed sharks that have taken about a quarter of the meat off his marlin, how does he feel?

5. It was noon when the old man hooked the fish and four hours later he thinks about something odd. What is it?

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

7. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

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

9. Identify a few passages in the story that indicate the pride of Santiago.

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

(see the answer keys)

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