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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 does the old man do to prepare for the arrival of the shark?
(a) He baits a hook and throws out another line.
(b) He tosses the rotting fish carcasses overboard to distract the shark.
(c) He gets his harpoon ready.
(d) He thinks he is dreaming.

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

3. After killing the Mako shark, what does Santiago eat?
(a) A piece of the marlin where the shark had bitten it.
(b) Nothing. All his food is gone.
(c) More of the dried flying fish.
(d) The liver of the dead dolphin.

4. What contrast does Santiago think about that shows the hard work ahead of him as night falls?
(a) He considers the difference between night and day while fishing.
(b) He thinks about how much larger the marlin is than the tiny stars.
(c) He thinks about how deep the marlin is and how high the stars are.
(d) He thinks about having to kill the marlin and is glad he does not have to kill the stars.

5. What does Santiago wish he could show the fish?
(a) How many fathoms of line he had in the boat.
(b) How his hand was cramped.
(c) What manner of man the fish was up against.
(d) His club he would use to kill the fish.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does he know which way to sail?

2. Why does Santiago always dream about lions?

3. What funny thing does Santiago say to himself after thinking about what he had not brought with him on this fishing trip?

4. Something brings Santiago out of his reverie. What is it?

5. What word does Santiago utter that Hemingway says there is no translation for?

Short Essay Questions

1. When there is another bite on one of his other lines, Santiago cuts it loose. Why?

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

3. 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?

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

5. Why can the old man not let go of the line as the big fish tows his skiff farther out to sea?

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

7. Describe Santiago's first sighting of the marlin.

8. How does Santiago think about the night time conflict between himself and the great fish?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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