View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Santiago dream of?

2. Why does the boy not go out with the fishing boats the morning of Santiago's return?

3. Using the makeshift bat, what is the old man able to do?

4. How many rows of teeth does the Mako shark have?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Santiago recalls that he used to sing on the turtle boats, whereas now he talks out loud to himself. When does he think the talking began?

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

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

4. Describe the scene that shows the good nature and high character of Santiago.

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

6. It is now the next day and Santiago had brought no provisions for a meal at sea. What does he have to eat?

7. How do you know that Santiago only intended to fish for one day when he left to go far out into the sea?

8. Why is it important for Santiago to see the fish he has caught?

9. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write your opinion about Hemingway's style of writing. Use examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 795 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample