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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 long had their last dry spell lasted before the old man and the boy caught some good fish?
(a) 67 days.
(b) 84 days.
(c) 86 days.
(d) 64 days.

2. Why does Santiago drink his morning coffee slowly?
(a) It is too hot.
(b) It is all he will have until he returns that night.
(c) It has too much sugar and condensed milk in it.
(d) He cannot afford another cup of coffee.

3. As his head becomes unclear again, what does Santiago ask himself?
(a) Why am I not dreaming of lions?
(b) Is he bringing me in or am I bringing him in?
(c) What happened to the marlin's dignity?
(d) Why didn't I just tow him behind the skiff?

4. Why do the other fishermen think of the sea in the masculine, el mar?
(a) They see it as a dangerous enemy.
(b) They see it as a generous man.
(c) They like to think of themselves being as strong as the sea.
(d) They take shark livers from the sea.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. When the fish begins circling, what does the old man do?

2. What happens after the old man harpoons the fish?

3. In great pain from the cold, what does the old man hope for?

4. Why does Santiago decide to re-bait the the small line over the stern of the boat?

5. How does Santiago estimate the size of the marlin?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the first shark attacks the marlin?

2. When there is another bite on one of his other lines, Santiago cuts it loose. Why?

3. Discuss the physical infirmity that begins to plague Santiago on the second day at sea.

4. What significance does Santiago place on the sudden pull the fish makes on the line after swimming steadily all night long?

5. Discuss the idea of luck in The Old Man and the Sea.

6. When the big fish first takes the bait, the old man thought about what he was sure the fish would do but he did not say it out loud. Why?

7. How does Santiago show his resolution as he holds the line and thinks about all the things the fish might do?

8. There is something almost religious about Santiago's walk to his shack after landing with the bones of the marlin. Describe it.

9. How do you know that Santiago only intended to fish for one day when he left to go far out into the sea?

10. Aside from the times that Santiago actually says, "I'm lonely", how does Hemingway emphasize that situation?

(see the answer keys)

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