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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 tell the police the whole situation is?

2. On whose behalf is Cairo acting?

3. Why does Brigid want to get rid of the statuette?

4. What two policeman are at the door?

5. What does Brigid want to know about Spade's meeting with Cairo?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In what way does the sixteenth chapter express the problems of its time?

3. Describe the game going on between Brigid and Spade?

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

5. How does Spade react to Brigid not being able to afford his services?

6. What does Gutman's treatment of Rhea say about his character?

7. What was Brigid's relationship with Thursby?

8. In what way do Spade's qualities come out in this chapter?

9. Why is the sixth chapter called the undersized shadow?

10. How does SPade calm Brigid down in the tenth chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the structure of the novel.

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

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure; 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 Spade Spade examine the way Hammett uses the other characters in the story. Does she use him or her for dramatic effect or comic aside? When does she introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 2

The Maltese is a famous book which has greatly influenced popular culture. Choose a film or book written after The Maltese Falcon that you think was influenced by the novel and discuss there similarities in terms of:

a) Plot

b) Character

c) Themes

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the values of 1920s.

1) Why was greed and loyalty such an issue during this time?

2) In what ways are the characters negative characteristics are product of their time? Do you think America was going through a transitional phase in the the 1920s? What significant changes do you think occurred during this period?

3)Does modern society share any values with 1920s America?

(see the answer keys)

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