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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 nationality is the boy who comes into the Peacock Lounge to sell papers?

2. Does Marlowe think Mrs. Almore was alive when she was brought to the garage?

3. What did Talley steal from Florence Almore's body?

4. When Marlowe awakes, what does the picture he sees portray?

5. What time is it when Marlowe looks at his watch in the jail cell?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Grayson describe Dr. Almore's practice?

2. What conditions does Marlowe discover in the apartment he enters after leaving the murdered woman's apartment?

3. How does the desk sergeant annoy Degarmo?

4. What does Webber do, when Marlowe tells him about being threatened by Degarmo?

5. What reason does Marlowe give to Degarmo for telling Degarmo all Marlowe suspects, on the ride up to Kingsley's cabin?

6. Where and in what condition do Marlowe and Patton find the car that Degarmo escaped in?

7. What does the parking attendant at the Grenada assume Marlowe is there for?

8. After Patton shoots at Degarmo, what does Degarmo do?

9. What is the reaction of the younger policeman, Eddie, when he sees the gun on the table?

10. What is Mrs. Talley's attitude?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Phillip Marlowe is the central character of the novel, and the whole plot is seen through his eyes. Discuss Marlowe's character.

1) How does Marlowe deal with his job, including managing clients, dealing with the police, and handling danger?

2) What is Marlowe's moral and ethical code? How does that code drive his actions?

3) What qualities does Marlowe have that make him a good detective? What does his job demand from him?

Essay Topic 2

In the novel, there are two ways to deal with problems and difficult situations: physical and mental prowess. Discuss physical and mental prowess in the novel.

1) When and how does Marlowe use physical force, intimidation, or threat? Why does Marlowe use these tactics?

2) When and how does Marlowe use mental deduction, bluffing, or other mental tactics? Why does Marlowe use these tactics?

3) Which is more important in the novel, the mental or the physical? Which has greater value attached to it?

Essay Topic 3

The Lady in the Lake involves characters changing and hiding their Identities. Discuss the concept of identity in the novel.

1) How is identity obscured in the novel? Who attempts to obscure their identity, and why?

2) How do the characters know others' identities? How do characters create their identities?

3) How does Marlowe formulate his own identity? How do others perceive him?

(see the answer keys)

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