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

2. Thinking about what the marlin can see deep in the water, how does Santiago recall his own vision years ago?

3. What happens to Santiago as he carries the mast up the hill?

4. What does Santiago think about giving up hope?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the literary purpose of references to Joe DiMaggio in the story?

2. There is something almost religious about Santiago's walk to his shack after landing with the bones of the marlin. Describe it.

3. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

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

5. When the big fish first takes the bait, the old man thought about what he was sure the fish would do but he did not say it out loud. Why?

6. Since the fish is too large to fit into the boat, how does Santiago plan on getting it back to shore?

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

8. It was noon when the old man hooked the fish and four hours later he thinks about something odd. What is it?

9. Relate the speech the boy makes to show his estimation of Santiago as a fisherman.

10. Discuss how Hemingway uses the man-of-war bird, the dolphins, and the flying fish to explain the nature of life in the sea.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the importance of self-confidence.

Essay Topic 2

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

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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