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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 the shadow of a passing airplane do on the surface of the sea?

2. How thick is the line the old man uses to catch big fish?

3. What does Santiago mean when he says that he must think because that is all he has left?

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

5. How do you know Santiago had never been up in a plane?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is Santiago's analysis of having a cramp, especially when one is alone?

4. 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?

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

6. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

7. Toward the end of the second day, Santiago assesses his situation and thinks he has several new advantages. What are they?

8. What happens when the first shark attacks the marlin?

9. Describe Santiago's first sighting of the marlin.

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

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 your opinion about Hemingway's style of writing. Use examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 883 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample