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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 happens while Santiago and the boy enjoy a beer on the Terrace?

2. Why does Santiago tell the fish not to jump?

3. When does Santiago plan to be out to sea?

4. When does Santiago realize the depth of his tiredness?

5. How does the old man get hurt when the fish yanks on the line?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the first shark attacks the marlin?

2. Discuss the conflict of resolution between the old man and the fish.

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

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

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

6. How does the conflict intensify on the second night?

7. What is the literary purpose of references to Joe DiMaggio in the story?

8. What significance does Santiago place on the sudden pull the fish makes on the line after swimming steadily all night long?

9. When the big fish first takes the bait, the old man thought about what he was sure the fish would do but he did not say it out loud. Why?

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 gaining knowledge and wisdom through experience versus formal education. Use Santiago as your example.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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