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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 does Santiago imagine was the reason the fish finally jumped?

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

3. After many tries to get the marlin alongside the skiff, what does Santiago reach for?

4. What does Santiago think might have caused the fish to jump so much?

5. What happens by midnight as Santiago returns to the land?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Explain the significance of the scattered thoughts of the old man as he struggles to hold onto the fish.

5. After Santiago manages to kill the shovel-nosed sharks that have taken about a quarter of the meat off his marlin, how does he feel?

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

7. What indicates that Santiago has no idea of catching the largest marlin ever landed in those waters?

8. How does the old man utilize the power of positive thinking as he struggles with the huge marlin during the night?

9. What does the fish do that helps revive Santiago from his weariness?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about the hardships of fishing for a living.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about loyalty. Use Manolin as your example.

(see the answer keys)

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