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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who enters as Spade is about to leave his office?

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

3. Why does the District attorney think gangsters killed Thursby?

4. Where does Kemidov live?

5. Who does Spade not want to be questioned by?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In 1942 The Maltese Falcon was made into a famous film noir film starring Humphrey Bogart and directed by John Huston. Why do you think the themes and ideas in the book were still relevant ten years later? Do you think the ideas are timeless and universal? What is it about the novel that enabled it to be made into one of the finest examples of film noir?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The main themes in the novel are greed, loyalty and crime. Take one of these themes and discuss how Hammett expresses them in the book? Why do you think these themes were important concerns in 1920s America?

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