View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Even though the boy can no longer fish with Santiago, how does he show his loyalty?

2. What simile does Hemingway use to describe the island of Sargasso seaweed Santiago's boat passes?

3. How do you know Santiago had never been up in a plane?

4. Why does Santiago feel sorry for the terns?

5. What disappointment does the old man feel because he has been out in his boat for days?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. When there is another bite on one of his other lines, Santiago cuts it loose. Why?

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

6. Describe Santiago's first sighting of the marlin.

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

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

9. Describe the last moments that define the valor of the great marlin.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about how Santiago took chances because of his bad luck.

Essay Topic 2

Write a summary of The Old Man and the Sea.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the theme of courage in the human spirit.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 848 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample