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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Cairo ask Spade to stand?
(a) To correct his posture
(b) To relieve him of his weapons
(c) To admire his figure
(d) To get him away from his desk

2. What does the caller reveal?
(a) Spade is a fraud
(b) Miles is dead
(c) He knows where Miss Wonderly's sister is
(d) He is taking Spade to court

3. Which policeman does Spade regard as his friend?
(a) Jack Nobbs
(b) Lieutenant Dundy
(c) Sargeant Henry
(d) Tom Polhaus

4. Why is Floyd dangerous?
(a) He is rich
(b) He is a psychotic
(c) He works for the government
(d) He is a hoodlum

5. Why does Spade usher Iva out of his office?
(a) To get on with business
(b) The police are coming
(c) Miss Wonderly is about to arrive
(d) To avoid speculation about their affair

Short Answer Questions

1. In what city does the story take place?

2. How does Dundy react to Spade's joke?

3. Why did Brigid agree to come to San Francisco with Thursby?

4. Who does Spade tell the young man to get in contact with him?

5. Why does Cairo pull out his gun?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hammett use characters names to symbolize their function?

2. How does Spade react to Miss Wonderly's presence?

3. How does Spade change Cairo's mind about not going along with his plan?

4. What problems has Gutman had trying to get the falcon?

5. What do Spade and Tom Polhaus discuss in the second chapter?

6. What does Spade tell Brigid that Cairo wants?

7. What does Brigid tell Spade about her part in the falcon in the ninth chapter?

8. What are the district attorney's theories about who the killer is?

9. In what way does Spade choose loyalty over Brigid in the final chapter?

10. How does Spade react to Iva's presence in the second chapter?

(see the answer keys)

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