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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Even though the boy can no longer fish with Santiago, how does he show his loyalty?
(a) He invites him to his parents' house for supper.
(b) He gives Santiago a new sail for his boat.
(c) He helps Santiago repaint his boat.
(d) He goes every day to help him unload his equipment.

3. How is he able to clean the dolphin?
(a) By leaving its skin on and only removing its entrails.
(b) By tying the line to the marlin on the thale.
(c) By using his right hand and holding it steady with his foot.
(d) By using his left hand and right foot.

4. When does the old man hoist his sail?
(a) When the winds died down.
(b) When he thought he heard an airplane.
(c) When he could not row because of the fish at the side of the skiff.
(d) When it is time to return to the island.

5. Why does Santiago think he may have to fight again before he reaches Havana?
(a) The sharks know he cannot see them in the dark.
(b) He is still having bad luck.
(c) There is still half of the meat left on the marlin.
(d) The boy is not there to help him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What two spots does Santiago hit on the first brown shark?

2. What does Santiago have besides his strength?

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

4. What does the old man do to prepare for the arrival of the shark?

5. What happens to Santiago as he carries the mast up the hill?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the literary purpose of references to Joe DiMaggio in the story?

3. Since the fish is too large to fit into the boat, how does Santiago plan on getting it back to shore?

4. Describe the danger the Portuguese man-of-war man of war poses to a fisherman in a boat.

5. How does Santiago compare himself to the great sea turtles that are as big as a skiff and weigh a ton?

6. Explain the significance of the scattered thoughts of the old man as he struggles to hold onto the fish.

7. It was noon when the old man hooked the fish and four hours later he thinks about something odd. What is it?

8. What is the bond between Santiago and the boy?

9. Why was it simple for Santiago to defeat the Negro of Cienfuegas when they had a rematch in the spring?

10. Describe the last moments that define the valor of the great marlin.

(see the answer keys)

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