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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. Which character is bleeding in this chapter?

2. How much extra money does miss Wonderly give the detectives?

3. What have Polhaus and Dundy come to question Spade about?

4. Where does Archer have to meet Miss Wonderly?

5. What is the name of this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Spade tell Brigid that Cairo wants?

2. How does Spade react to seeing the young man in the tenth chapter?

3. Why does Brigid say she sought Spade's help?

4. What happens when Spade returns to his apartment in the second chapter?

5. Describe the story Spade tells Brigid at the beginning of the seventh chapter?

6. What message does Miss Wonderly leave for Spade in the second chapter?

7. What does Spade tell Polhaus and Dundy at the end of the seventh chapter?

8. Why does Gutman want to keep Spade on his good side?

9. How has Spade approached the case so far?

10. Why is Brigid so distressed in the fourth chapter?

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

Look at the novel's characterization. How well drawn do you think Hammett's characters are? Select one of the minor characters such as Dundy and discuss how much you know about his background. In what ways does Hammett provide the reader with information about that character?

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)

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