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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. Why does Santiago tell the fish not to jump?
(a) For fear that it will flood the boat.
(b) For fear that the hook will work itself loose.
(c) For fear that the line will have to be let out again.
(d) For fear that it will attract sharks.

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

3. What happens after the old man harpoons the fish?
(a) The harpoon line breaks and the marlin gets away.
(b) The fish tries to jump into the boat with the old man.
(c) The marlin starts swimming fast and pulls the boat with him.
(d) It goes high into the air and comes back down, blinding Santiago with sea spray.

4. After killing the Mako shark, what is Santiago aware of as missing?
(a) The tradewinds.
(b) His harpoon.
(c) His casting net.
(d) The feeling in his left hand.

5. When the marlin slows and is steady, Santiago finally gets some sleep. What does he dream of instead of lions?
(a) A flight on a plane.
(b) Arm wrestling with the marlin.
(c) A vast school of porpoises.
(d) Cutting his hand on the fishing line.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the old man's boat move faster as he nears the land?

2. What indicates the old man's pride?

3. Santiago recalls catching marlin that weighed over a thousand pounds. Why is this time different?

4. How does Hemingway use Joe DiMaggio's injury to show Santiago's limited education?

5. As he heads home and stops to look back, what does Santiago see?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How do you know that Santiago only intended to fish for one day when he left to go far out into the sea?

5. Describe the relationship between Manolin and Santiago.

6. Why is it important for Santiago to see the fish he has caught?

7. Discuss the conflict of resolution between the old man and the fish.

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

9. How does Hemingway demonstrate Santiago's expertise as a sailor and fisherman?

10. How does Hemingway use conversation between the old man and the boy to show Santiago's age?

(see the answer keys)

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