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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. His back is already hurting him, and then what begins to give him pain?

2. What complaint does the boy have about the fisherman he works for after he is forced to leave Santiago?

3. After the second brown shark is killed, what does it do?

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

5. What amusing thing does the old man say to the fish as the fish begins to come nearer the skiff?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

4. As the conflict between man and fish continues, what does Santiago contemplate to gain advantage for himself? Explain.

5. Discuss how Hemingway uses the man-of-war bird, the dolphins, and the flying fish to explain the nature of life in the sea.

6. Describe the conditions during the first night after Santiago caught the big fish.

7. Show how Hemingway uses the literary form of personification as Santiago thinks about the great fish he has hooked.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about overcoming difficulties in life.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about gaining knowledge and wisdom through experience versus formal education. Use Santiago as your example.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about symbolism Hemingway uses in The Old Man and the Sea.

(see the answer keys)

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