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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 does Santiago do when another fish takes the bait on another line?

2. What is the one thing not beautiful about the Mako shark?

3. What does the old man do to prepare for the arrival of the shark?

4. How does the old man get hurt when the fish yanks on the line?

5. Why do the other fishermen think of the sea in the masculine, el mar?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Santiago compare himself to the great sea turtles that are as big as a skiff and weigh a ton?

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

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

6. It was noon when the old man hooked the fish and four hours later he thinks about something odd. What is it?

7. Why is it important for Santiago to see the fish he has caught?

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

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about the theme of courage in the human spirit.

Essay Topic 2

Write a summary of The Old Man and the Sea.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay explaining you opinion on what happens to the old man after he returns with the marlin bones.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 806 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample