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

Short Answer Questions

1. What brings Santiago awake suddenly in the night?

2. What does Santiago mean when he thinks that man is not made for defeat?

3. Santiago is far out at sea and the fish is from deep waters. What comparison does Santiago make?

4. What idea does Santiago have to help tire the marlin out?

5. Why does Santiago always dream about lions?

Short Essay Questions

1. After the marlin jumps during the night, there is a lull. What does it allow Santiago to do?

2. Why is the story about an old man instead of a young one?

3. As the conflict between man and fish continues, what does Santiago contemplate to gain advantage for himself? Explain.

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

5. Santiago recalls that he used to sing on the turtle boats, whereas now he talks out loud to himself. When does he think the talking began?

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

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

8. 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?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about the effects of loneliness on people.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about fishing as a hobby versus fishing for a living.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 887 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample