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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 the boy not go out with the fishing boats the morning of Santiago's return?
(a) The winds were too strong for the boats to sail that morning.
(b) He was too tired from fishing the day before.
(c) He found Santiago dead in his shack.
(d) He wanted to stay on the shore and watch for the old man's return.

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

3. By nightfall of the third day, what does Santiago expect to see?
(a) The lights of Havana.
(b) A few stars.
(c) More sharks attacking his boat.
(d) Other fishing boats out at night.

4. Why does the old man's boat move faster as he nears the land?
(a) The winds pick up.
(b) He is being carried by the Gulf Stream.
(c) Sharks are pushing it along.
(d) There is little weight now on the side of his boat.

5. What advice does Santiago give the boy about the boat he is now working on?
(a) Save money and buy that boat.
(b) Leave the boat before its luck runs out.
(c) Stay there while the luck is still working for that boat.
(d) Come back and go fishing with him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the old man think about a cramp?

2. What is Santiago missing that will not allow him to attract a flying fish to land in his skiff?

3. Who helps Santiago as he lands his boat?

4. Why does Santiago decide to re-bait the the small line over the stern of the boat?

5. What does Santiago find in the dolphin's maw when he cuts it open?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the conflict intensify on the second night?

3. What is Santiago's analysis of having a cramp, especially when one is alone?

4. Aside from the times that Santiago actually says, "I'm lonely", how does Hemingway emphasize that situation?

5. Explain the meaning of the statement that Santiago loved the lions in his dreams like he loved the boy.

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

7. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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