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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 is the camera built into?

2. What does the man hide behind in this chapter?

3. Who is really inside the car?

4. What does Marlowe demand from Brody?

5. What does Marlowe accuse Eddie of protecting?

Short Essay Questions

1. What two important people do Marlowe and Ohls meet in chapter 18?

2. Describe the Sternwood house

3. What more clues does Marlowe find at Geiger's house?

4. How does Mars react to the fact that there maybe a gray Plymouth on Marlowe's tail?

5. In what way has the woman threatened Vivian?

6. Why can Marlowe not catch the killer?

7. Why does Mrs. Mars refuse to go with Marlowe?

8. Why does Canino think Marlowe is dead?

9. Describe what happens at the abandoned oil well in chapter 3.

10. What does Brody admit to Marlowe in chapter 16?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the structure of the novel:

1) How does Chandler use character and dialogue to drive the narrative.

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure, including: 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 examine the way Chandler uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

In what way is Vivian Regan the typical femme fatale? What do the students think that Vivian's role will be in the story? What will her relationship be like with Marlowe? Why do the students think a femme fatale is important to the story?

(see the answer keys)

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