The Glass Key Synthesis

After reading The Glass Key, by Dashiell Hammett, compare and contrast the novel and the two film versions.

Consider these questions:

What are the main themes of the novel? How are they reflected in the film versions?

What does the 1935 film change or emphasize from the novel?

What does the 1942 film change or emphasize from the novel?

What does the 1942 film change or build on from the 1935 film?

What does Saul N. Scher have to say about the adaptations in "The Glass Key: The Original and Two Copies"? Do you agree with his interpretation and assessment? Why or why not?

As always, don't answer these questions one right after another with no connection between your answers. Instead build a unified, coherent essay that addresses these questions.

What I will be grading:

Thesis—You should focus your essay around a strong statement of thesis that illuminates something about the The Glass Key.

Development of points—You shouldn’t just give a laundry list of similarities and differences between the novel and the films. Instead, you should be able to explain the reasons for and/or the significance of those similarities and differences.

Specific support—Don’t make vague generalizations.  Support your points with specific references to the novel, the films, and the article.

Organization—Your points should be arranged in a logical order.

Points to remember:

1)   You must properly cite (parenthetical and works cited page) all sources, including the novel and films.

2)   Your essay should be approximately 1250-1500 words.

3)   Authors, both male and female, are referred to by their last names, i.e. Asch's experiment broke new ground in social psychology.

4)   Spell check and proofread.  Sloppiness, although not my primary concern, detracts from your authority as a writer and my enjoyment of your essay.

Due: Wednesday, March 2

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