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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 Spade do when Cairo is close enough?

2. Where is Cairo from?

3. Why does Cairo ask Spade to stand?

4. Who does Brigid say hid the statue?

5. What is the name of this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Spade's excuse for Cairo and Brigid's behavior at the beginning of the eighth chapter?

2. How was the falcon made?

3. What plan do Spade and Archer make in the first chapter?

4. What does Spade work out about Miss Wonderly in the second chapter?

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

6. Whay does Miss Wonderly pay the men $200?

7. What is Spade's ulterior motive in helping out Brigid?

8. Why does Gutman want to keep Spade on his good side?

9. How are Spade suspicions about Cairo's sexual orientation confirmed by Brigid?

10. Describe the story Spade tells Brigid at the beginning of the seventh chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hammett lived in San Francisco and worked in a detective agency, adhering to the rule, writers should always write about what they know. Do you think it is obvious that Hammett knows his subject? What difference do you think it makes to the story? Are there any moments where you think Hammett does not portray a character or setting so well? What affect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Hammett's life. In what way do you think his life and personality is reflected in the book?

Essay Topic 3

Identify the main themes of the story. Why do you think these themes are so important to the story? How does Hammett use character and setting to express these themes?

(see the answer keys)

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