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

Short Answer Questions

1. How many people are waiting for Marlowe?

2. Where in his car has Marlowe hidden his pistol?

3. What room do Carmen and Marlowe sit down in when they arrive back at the house?

4. Who did Mars send after Mona and Rusty?

5. Who told Mrs. Mars to hide out?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Big Sleep is a famous book which has greatly influenced modern literature. Choose a book written after the novel that you think was influenced by it and discuss there similarities in terms of:

a) plot

b) character

c) themes.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the values of 1930s America:

1) Why was morality such an issue during this time?

2) In what ways are the characters negative characteristics a product of their time? Do you think America was going through a transitional phase in the fifties? What significant changes do you think occurred during this period?

3) Does modern society share any values with thirties America?

Essay Topic 3

Look at the structure of the novel:

1) How does Chandler use character and dialogue to drive the narrative.

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure, including: Exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Away from the main character examine the way Chandler uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 280 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample