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

2. What does Santiago mean when he thinks that man is not made for defeat?

3. Why do the other fishermen think of the sea in the masculine, el mar?

4. Why doesn't Santiago put the marlin into his boat?

5. What is Santiago doing when the boy returns to his shack?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the metaphoric significance of the arm wrestling match in Casablanca?

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

6. Toward the end of the second day, Santiago assesses his situation and thinks he has several new advantages. What are they?

7. Why is the story about an old man instead of a young one?

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

9. Discuss the physical infirmity that begins to plague Santiago on the second day at sea.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about all the causes for Santiago's becoming addled during this fishing trip.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about why you think Hemingway did or did not know about deep sea fishing.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 814 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample