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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 thick is the line the old man uses to catch big fish?
(a) About as thick as an oar handle.
(b) Very small but strong.
(c) As big around as a pencil.
(d) A big around as his thumb.

2. How does the old man console himself as he returns home?
(a) He will never have to go fishing again.
(b) The boy will be there waiting for him.
(c) He promises himself never to go that far out again.
(d) There is little damage to his boat.

3. What does Santiago suddenly realize he has been doing?
(a) Talking out loud to himself.
(b) Thinking about the boy.
(c) Falling asleep.
(d) Going too fast for his lines.

4. What are Santiago's last three weapons he can use against the sharks?
(a) The oars, the anchor, and some line.
(b) Two oars, the tiller, and a short club.
(c) A broken knife, some big fish hooks, and the oars.
(d) The broken water bottle, the oars, and a club.

5. Knowing what is coming as he approaches the island currents, what makeshift weapon does Santiago come up with?
(a) Lashing his knife to the end of an oar.
(b) Carving one of the oars into a baseball bat.
(c) Making a noose out of the fishing line.
(d) Cutting off the marlin's spear to use as a harpoon.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does the marlin do as the sun rises on the third day?

3. What does the old man think about a cramp?

4. What is a favorite topic of conversation for Santiago and the boy?

5. What does the old man fear since the shark had taken about forty pounds of flesh off the marlin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the relationship between Manolin and Santiago.

2. 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?

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

4. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

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

6. Santiago does not consider himself to be religious, but what happens to show that he was at one time before?

7. How does the man-of-war bird help Santiago catch an albacore?

8. Discuss the conflict of resolution between the old man and the fish.

9. Explain the meaning of the statement that Santiago loved the lions in his dreams like he loved the boy.

10. What makes Manolin cry after he discovers the old man at his house?

(see the answer keys)

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