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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What vow does the old man make to the fish?

2. What brings the shark towards Santiago's boat?

3. What does the old man think about to build up his courage as the sun sets on the second day?

4. After many tries to get the marlin alongside the skiff, what does Santiago reach for?

5. What does Santiago consider as his principal friends on the ocean?

Short Essay Questions

1. What new indication tells Santiago and the reader that this is a truly remarkable fish after the moonlight jump?

2. What knowledge does seeing the marlin bring to the old man?

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

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

5. As the conflict between man and fish continues, what does Santiago contemplate to gain advantage for himself? Explain.

6. Describe the relationship between Manolin and Santiago.

7. What makes Manolin cry after he discovers the old man at his house?

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

9. It is now the next day and Santiago had brought no provisions for a meal at sea. What does he have to eat?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about the hardships of fishing for a living.

Essay Topic 2

Write your opinion about Hemingway's style of writing. Use examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay explaining you opinion on what happens to the old man after he returns with the marlin bones.

(see the answer keys)

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