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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Detailed Summary & Analysis.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Hemingway mean when he says that the old man harpooned the shark with resolution and complete malignancy?
(a) The old man was unsure of what to do.
(b) The old man was dying of skin cancer.
(c) The old man was acting out of instinct.
(d) The old man was motivated by hate.

2. What happens when the shovel-nose shark comes and Santiago stabs it in the brain with his makeshift harpoon?
(a) At that moment the wind dies down.
(b) The knife blade snaps off.
(c) The shark almost pulls the old man overboard.
(d) The knife comes untied from the oar.

3. How does Santiago justify killing the shark?
(a) Respect for the marlin.
(b) The reward money.
(c) Saving other lives.
(d) Self-defense.

4. What does the old man speculate he could use to buy good luck?
(a) The glow of the city lights on the shore.
(b) A lost harpoon, a broken knife, and two bad hands.
(c) Another 84 days of bad luck.
(d) The bones of the marlin.

5. What does the shadow of a passing airplane do on the surface of the sea?
(a) Startles Santiago.
(b) Bounces like a basketball.
(c) Makes the dolphins go away.
(d) Scares up a school of flying fish.

Short Answer Questions

1. Knowing what is coming as he approaches the island currents, what makeshift weapon does Santiago come up with?

2. As he heads home and stops to look back, what does Santiago see?

3. Why does Santiago wish the marlin would sleep?

4. Who does Santiago think would be proud of him after he gets the fish lashed to the boat?

5. Something brings Santiago out of his reverie. What is it?

(see the answer key)

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