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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Sam send Iva to see?

2. What does Spade drink to seal his deal with Gutman?

3. What was the falcon made from?

4. What year was the Falcon made?

5. Who does the tall man in Spade's office ask for?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss whether you think this statement is true or false: The Maltese Falcon depicts women in a negative light. Use two examples from the novel to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Examine Hammett's writing style. How would you describe Hammett's prose style? What kind of vocabulary does he use? Does he use any specific writing techniques? What meaning does Hammett's style give to the story?

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This section contains 160 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample