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

2. What tells Santiago that he is becoming unclear in the head?

3. After he finally gets to the shack and puts down the mast, what does Santiago find?

4. When does the old man hoist his sail?

5. Thinking about what the marlin can see deep in the water, how does Santiago recall his own vision years ago?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Discuss the idea of luck in The Old Man and the Sea.

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

4. Why did Santiago decide he could sleep a while on the second night?

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

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

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

8. By nightfall, Santiago recognizes a change in direction. Explain how he knows that.

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

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 fishing as a hobby versus fishing for a living.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about how people turn to religion when times are difficult.

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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