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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 does Santiago fear if he does not sleep after two days?

2. How does the old man get hurt when the fish yanks on the line?

3. What does the shadow of a passing airplane do on the surface of the sea?

4. Why does the old man scoop water from the sea after the marlin stops jumping?

5. During the time Santiago had the marlin on his line, what does he think the marlin does not know?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Discuss the idea of luck in The Old Man and the Sea.

3. Show how Hemingway uses the literary form of personification as Santiago thinks about the great fish he has hooked.

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

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

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

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

8. On the second night, describe the old man's recollection that shows how strong he was years ago.

9. While sleeping in the boat, what are Santiago's dream like?

10. Describe the relationship between Manolin and Santiago.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about gaining knowledge and wisdom through experience versus formal education. Use Santiago as your example.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about how people turn to religion when times are difficult.

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This section contains 882 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample