View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Santiago missing that will not allow him to attract a flying fish to land in his skiff?
(a) A frying pan.
(b) Small fishing nets.
(c) A light.
(d) Flying fish bait.

2. What is Santiago's plan as the fist keeps circling?
(a) To give the fish less and less line.
(b) To let out the line.
(c) To let the boat turn around and around as the fish circles.
(d) To jump in to fight the fish.

3. When Santiago spots the shark, what does he know about the predator?
(a) It will not swim fast enough to catch the boat.
(b) It will try to knock him out of the boat.
(c) It has no fear and will do whatever it wants.
(d) It will not bother him if it is not hungry.

4. How did the old man know the marlin had turned eastward?
(a) His compass indicated the direction.
(b) The eastern sea breezes grew stronger.
(c) The afternoon sun was on his back.
(d) The skiff began to go slower against the east wind.

5. What is the meaning of salao?
(a) The champion.
(b) A greeting.
(c) A small room.
(d) Extreme bad luck.

6. What does the fisherman say about the marlin to the boy?
(a) He was eighteen feet from nose to tail.
(b) Why would the old man bring back only bones?
(c) I need a tape to measure this fish.
(d) There is nothing left but head, tail, and bones.

7. Because Santiago always wakes the boy every morning, what does the boy call him?
(a) My tormentor.
(b) My big problem.
(c) My alarm clock.
(d) My morning visitor.

8. After Santiago goes back to sleep, what is he dreaming of?
(a) Sharks.
(b) Catching a larger fish.
(c) Broken knives.
(d) Lions.

9. What had become a habit for the boy during the old man's absence?
(a) Arguing with the fishermen who made fun of Santiago.
(b) Saving newspapers for Santiago to read.
(c) Stopping by Santiago's shack every morning.
(d) Waking up late so he did not have to go fishing.

10. How does he know which way to sail?
(a) From the stars he had seen the night before.
(b) From the compass he always had with him.
(c) From the way the flying fish are jumping.
(d) From the sun and the tradewinds.

11. What word does Santiago utter that Hemingway says there is no translation for?
(a) Galanos
(b) Mala
(c) Ay
(d) Brisa

12. What does Santiago imagine was the reason the fish finally jumped?
(a) To see what manner of man he was fighting with.
(b) To get some air.
(c) To show him how big he was.
(d) To see if the hook would fall out.

13. What last weapon does Santiago use against the sharks?
(a) The tiller.
(b) The mast.
(c) A broken bottle.
(d) His fists.

14. What amusing thing does the old man say to the fish as the fish begins to come nearer the skiff?
(a) Fish, why don't you just give up?
(b) Fish, you will look good hanging from my wall.
(c) Fish, don't you understand that you are beaten already?
(d) Fish, you are going to die. Do you have to kill me, too?

15. When does Santiago plan to be out to sea?
(a) Before it is light.
(b) Right after daybreak.
(c) By noon.
(d) All night.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Santiago drink his morning coffee slowly?

2. By nightfall of the third day, what does Santiago expect to see?

3. What does Santiago look for as he sails toward the land?

4. What brings the shark towards Santiago's boat?

5. What does Hemingway mean when he says that the old man harpooned the shark with resolution and complete malignancy?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 695 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample