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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's secret for deep sea fishing?

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

3. When the marlin slows and is steady, Santiago finally gets some sleep. What does he dream of instead of lions?

4. What does Santiago fear if he does not sleep after two days?

5. Who does Santiago say should get the head of the marlin?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe the relationship between Manolin and Santiago.

5. How does Santiago show his resolution as he holds the line and thinks about all the things the fish might do?

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

7. Describe Santiago's meal on the second day and why he was so pleased after he ate.

8. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about fishing as a hobby versus fishing for a living.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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