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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. Something brings Santiago out of his reverie. What is it?
(a) The man-of-war bird lands on his boat.
(b) The wind gets stronger.
(c) A dolphin jumps over his boat.
(d) Something tugging at his line.

2. Why does the old man wish to take Joe DiMaggio fishing?
(a) He thinks DiMaggio would be good at clubbing sharks to death.
(b) He heard that DiMaggio's father was a fisherman.
(c) He would like to talk about baseball while he fished.
(d) He wants to get free tickets to a Yankee game.

3. Who helps Santiago as he lands his boat?
(a) No one. Everyone is at home in bed.
(b) The boy.
(c) The whole city turns out to welcome him back.
(d) The fishermen who are laughing at him.

4. Obviously a very large fish that is caught on Santiago's line. What does the fish do all night long?
(a) Pulls the boat farther out to sea.
(b) Chases the flying fish.
(c) Comes to the surface from time to time.
(d) Tries to pull the boat under the water.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Santiago have besides his strength?

2. What assistance for the old man does the boy try to get?

3. What evidence does the old man have of his long, hard fight with the marlin?

4. How long had their last dry spell lasted before the old man and the boy caught some good fish?

5. How do we know the old man sleeps for a very long time?

Short Essay Questions

1. Give an example of how Santiago refuses to give up after losing the harpoon.

2. Relate the speech the boy makes to show his estimation of Santiago as a fisherman.

3. How does Hemingway demonstrate Santiago's expertise as a sailor and fisherman?

4. Describe the relationship between Manolin and Santiago.

5. Explain the first indication that Santiago has that he has caught a very large fish, even though he has not seen it and does know know what kind of fish it is.

6. Discuss how Hemingway uses the man-of-war bird, the dolphins, and the flying fish to explain the nature of life in the sea.

7. After Santiago manages to kill the shovel-nosed sharks that have taken about a quarter of the meat off his marlin, how does he feel?

8. Describe the scene that shows the good nature and high character of Santiago.

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

10. How does the old man utilize the power of positive thinking as he struggles with the huge marlin during the night?

(see the answer keys)

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