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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. How long had Santiago gone without catching a fish?

2. What kind of sharks came the second time?

3. What is a favorite topic of conversation for Santiago and the boy?

4. What last weapon does Santiago use against the sharks?

5. How does the boy act defensively about Santiago as the fishermen look at the marlin's skeleton?

Short Essay Questions

1. Give an example of how Santiago refuses to give up after losing the harpoon.

2. Why was it simple for Santiago to defeat the Negro of Cienfuegas when they had a rematch in the spring?

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

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

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

6. 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?

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

8. Explain the meaning of the statement that Santiago loved the lions in his dreams like he loved the boy.

9. How does Hemingway demonstrate Santiago's expertise as a sailor and fisherman?

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

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 about Santiago's opinion of himself that he is a strange old man and must prove it.

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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