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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 is the payment Santiago expects for completing his first job on his journey?

2. What does the king describe as the only real obligation in life?

3. How many golden coins does Santiago's father find in the field?

4. How many times has Santiago had the dream about the child?

5. Where is Santiago transported in his dreams?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part 2, what intensifies as Santiago debates whether to stay with his flock or continue on to Egypt?

2. What does the boy about his own age offer to help Santiago with?

3. Who are the only people that Santiago's father say are able to travel?

4. What does Santiago reflect upon in Part 1 regarding to the sheep?

5. What does the old man advise Santiago to follow?

6. How does Santiago think in Part 2 he can get the money to buy a ticket to Africa?

7. Why doesn't Santiago buy a ticket to the Egyptian pyramids?

8. At the beginning of the book, how long has it been since Santiago saw the merchant's daughter?

9. What advice does Santiago's father share with him after Santiago describes his dream to travel and see the world?

10. On what does the crystal merchant need to reflect before he decides?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout this novel, the forces of nature figure prominently. Describe, in detail, how the forces of nature are critical components to the story. Be sure to use supporting details from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Language is a critical theme in this novel. Describe how students who are exchange students or English as a Second Language learners might face difficulties in this class while reading this novel. Provide details and examples to receive full credit.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one aspect of symbolism from the text and explain it in detail. Include details such as: what is the symbol, what is it a symbol for, why is the symbolism important to the story, etc... Include specific examples from the text to support your discussion.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 609 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample