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

2. When does Santiago finally see the lights of the city?

3. After Santiago goes back to sleep, what is he dreaming of?

4. To what does Santiago compare his damaged hands while harpooning the shark?

5. What assistance for the old man does the boy try to get?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

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

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

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

9. How does Santiago think about the night time conflict between himself and the great fish?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about overcoming difficulties in life.

(see the answer keys)

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