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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 area is left for fishing after the tourists leave in Chapter 17?

2. What does the Old Man want to do with the remaining years of his life?

3. Who is happy after the tourists leave in Chapter 18?

4. What kind of psychology does the Old Man say that men must use on women?

5. What is the message that Bobby says has stuck out all these years in Chapter 25?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Bobby go to Maryland in Chapter 28?

2. Describe Mr. Howard's home in Chapter 28.

3. What does Bobby tell the Old Man that he has learned most from him in Chapter 25?

4. What is the Old Man's threat about education and hunting and how does Bobby respond to it?

5. What does Bobby feel that he does with regard to time and seasons in Chapter 26?

6. What is a noble character according to the Old Man and why does he dislike it?

7. What does Bobby discover about books and education in Chapter 23?

8. How does Bobby respond to the Old Man's question about what he wants to be when he grows up?

9. What does the Old Man say about the behavior of women in Chapter 24?

10. Why will Bobby have to steer himself in Chapter 28?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the social, cultural and economic environment of The Old Man and the Boy. What are common customs? What is considered taboo? How does the Old Man offer his values and beliefs to Bobby? What effect does this have on Bobby and which values does he adopt? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Aging and the approach of death is a theme in The Old Man and the Boy. Who is growing old? Who is growing older? How do these characters change over time? How does age influence decisions and the characters' approach to life? Why or why not? Describe.

Essay Topic 3

Bobby and the Old Man are two of the most active characters.

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Bobby had a direct influence upon? What are some events that the Old Man had a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character offers support to the group? Which one is stronger and why?

(see the answer keys)

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