- 1. The Black Dahlia, written by James Ellroy and published in 1987, is a captivating and intricately woven crime novel that explores the gruesome 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, a young woman dubbed 'The Black Dahlia' by the media. Set against the backdrop of a post-war Los Angeles, the narrative follows two LAPD detectives, Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, as they plunge into a dark and twisted investigation filled with corruption, ambition, and the hidden underbelly of Hollywood. Ellroy's trademark hardboiled style imbues the story with a raw, visceral energy, highlighting the obsessive nature of the detectives as they not only seek to uncover the truth behind the murder but also confront their own demons and the chaotic world around them. The novel delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the allure of fame, painting a haunting portrait of a city obsessed with glamour and rife with violence. As the protagonists grapple with their growing personal entanglements and the disturbing realities of the case, Ellroy masterfully blends historical fact with fiction, creating a layered narrative that keeps readers riveted to the page while reflecting on the darker aspects of human nature and the price of obsession.
What year was 'The Black Dahlia' published?
A) 1990
B) 2001
C) 1987
D) 1965
- 2. Who are the two main detectives in 'The Black Dahlia'?
A) Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe
B) Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard
C) Jack McCoy and Elliot Stabler
D) Harry Bosch and Michael Connelly
- 3. The Black Dahlia is primarily set in which city?
A) Chicago
B) Los Angeles
C) New York
D) San Francisco
- 4. Who is the victim in 'The Black Dahlia'?
A) Elizabeth Short
B) Jean Harlow
C) Marilyn Monroe
D) Dorothy Lamour
- 5. What is the main theme of 'The Black Dahlia'?
A) Survival and resilience
B) Fear and panic
C) Obsession and corruption
D) Friendship and loyalty
- 6. What is the narrative style of 'The Black Dahlia'?
A) Second-person
B) Stream of consciousness
C) First-person
D) Third-person omniscient
- 7. What aspect of L.A. does the novel explore?
A) Politics
B) Corruption
C) Economics
D) Tourism
- 8. Which year does the story take place?
A) 1947
B) 1951
C) 1949
D) 1945
- 9. Who ultimately holds key information about the murder?
A) Lee Blanchard
B) Bucky Bleichert
C) Kay Lake
D) George Hodel
- 10. What tone does Ellroy adopt in the novel?
A) Dark and gritty
B) Romantic and soft
C) Uplifting and humorous
D) Light and carefree
- 11. How is the character of Elizabeth Short portrayed?
A) Very open
B) Completely innocent
C) Mysterious
D) Evil
- 12. Which real-life event inspired the plot?
A) The Black Panther movement
B) The Zodiac killings
C) The Manson Family murders
D) The murder of Elizabeth Short
- 13. What narrative device does Ellroy use?
A) Second-person narrative
B) Epistolary format
C) Flashbacks
D) Unreliable narrator
- 14. Which character has an unreciprocated love for Bucky?
A) Elizabeth Short
B) Diana Smith
C) Lana Turner
D) Kay Lake
- 15. What crime is central to the plot?
A) Fraud
B) Theft
C) Kidnapping
D) Murder
- 16. What motivates Bleichert's investigation?
A) Family legacy
B) Duty to the badge
C) Personal obsession
D) Financial reward
- 17. What profession does Bucky Bleichert have?
A) Journalist
B) Police Officer
C) Lawyer
D) Private Investigator
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