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

Short Answer Questions

1. How many time did Iva go to Sam's apartment the night Miles was killed?

2. What will happen to Cairo if he does not go along with the story?

3. What has Iva come to apologize for?

4. Where does Spade rent a locker?

5. What reason does Brigid give for Spade not to hand her over to the police?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hammett was a communist. Using two examples from the novel discuss the ways the story reflects Hammett's political ideas?

Essay Topic 2

Pick a character from the novel and discuss their goals and motives. Do they achieve their motive? Why? Do the share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do their goals clash with other characters with other characters? How do the characters goals and motives affect their interaction with each other?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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