View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the old man scoop water from the sea after the marlin stops jumping?

2. How old was the boy the first time he went fishing with Santiago?

3. During the time Santiago had the marlin on his line, what does he think the marlin does not know?

4. What effect did his movement and the hot sun during the day have on Santiago?

5. Why does the boy not go out with the fishing boats the morning of Santiago's return?

Short Essay Questions

1. What new indication tells Santiago and the reader that this is a truly remarkable fish after the moonlight jump?

2. What is the metaphoric significance of the arm wrestling match in Casablanca?

3. How does Santiago think about the night time conflict between himself and the great fish?

4. Identify a few passages in the story that indicate the pride of Santiago.

5. What knowledge does seeing the marlin bring to the old man?

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

7. How does Hemingway use conversation between the old man and the boy to show Santiago's age?

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

9. What does the fish do that helps revive Santiago from his weariness?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about the hardships of fishing for a living.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about how Santiago took chances because of his bad luck.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about all the causes for Santiago's becoming addled during this fishing trip.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 842 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample