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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. When the fish begins circling, what does the old man do?

2. What contrast does Santiago think about that shows the hard work ahead of him as night falls?

3. What does Santiago mean when he thinks that man is not made for defeat?

4. After the second brown shark is killed, what does it do?

5. What does Santiago have besides his strength?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the relationship between Manolin and Santiago.

3. Describe the danger the Portuguese man-of-war man of war poses to a fisherman in a boat.

4. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

5. What is the bond between Santiago and the boy?

6. Santiago recalls that he used to sing on the turtle boats, whereas now he talks out loud to himself. When does he think the talking began?

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

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

9. What is the metaphoric significance of the arm wrestling match in Casablanca?

10. Why is the story about an old man instead of a young one?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about humility versus pride. Use Santiago's relationship with Manolin as support for your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about symbolism Hemingway uses in The Old Man and the Sea.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about respect for nature. Use Santiago as support for your position.

(see the answer keys)

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