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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Who does Effie say still has not surfaced?

3. Who frisks spade?

4. Where does Spade rent a locker?

5. What country is the ship coming from?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

Compare the characters of Sam Spade and Brigid.

1) In what way are their morals different?

2) What is their relationship to each other?

3) Do you think they are the perfect match?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 221 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample