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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 policeman does Spade regard as his friend?

2. How long does Brigid say it will take for her to produce the statue?

3. Who is the next person to arrive at Spade's office?

4. Who does Spade spot in the hotel?

5. What is the young doing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does horse feathers mean in terms of the eighth chapter?

2. What do Spade and Tom Polhaus discuss in the second chapter?

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

4. What does Sid Wise reveal about Iva in the twelfth chapter?

5. What problems has Gutman had trying to get the falcon?

6. How does Spade react to Iva's apology in the eleventh chapter?

7. What has happened to Miss Wonderly's sister?

8. What is Spade's ulterior motive in helping out Brigid?

9. What does Spade work out about Miss Wonderly in the second chapter?

10. Describe the iconic dialogue Hammet uses in the novel.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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