Double Indemnity by James M. Cain
- 1. Double Indemnity by James M. Cain is a seminal work in the genre of crime fiction, published in 1936, which explores themes of greed, betrayal, and the consequences of immoral choices. The narrative unfolds through the cynical voice of its protagonist, Walter Huff, an insurance salesman who becomes embroiled in a deadly plot to murder a client's husband and collect on a life insurance policy that promises to pay double the amount in the event of accidental death. Set against the backdrop of 1930s America, Cain masterfully crafts a tale of passion and premeditation, highlighting the psychological complexity of the characters involved. The interplay between Walter and the femme fatale, Phyllis Nirdlinger, reveals layers of manipulation and desire, as they both navigate their ambitions and moral dilemmas. The novel's crisp, hard-boiled style and its intricate use of suspense make it a pioneering work that not only paved the way for later noir fiction but also delves deep into the darker aspects of human nature and the lengths to which individuals will go for wealth and freedom, ultimately leading to their downfall. Double Indemnity remains a quintessential classic, frequently analyzed for its narrative structure, character development, and its critique of the American Dream.
Who is the author of 'Double Indemnity'?
A) Raymond Chandler
B) Dashiell Hammett
C) James M. Cain
D) F. Scott Fitzgerald
- 2. What is the profession of the protagonist Walter Neff?
A) Private detective
B) Insurance salesman
C) Banker
D) Mechanic
- 3. What type of insurance policy is central to the plot?
A) Double indemnity policy
B) Health insurance policy
C) Life insurance policy
D) Automobile insurance policy
- 4. What is the main theme of 'Double Indemnity'?
A) Friendship
B) Greed and betrayal
C) Romantic love
D) Justice and revenge
- 5. Where does the story of 'Double Indemnity' primarily take place?
A) California
B) New York
C) Chicago
D) Texas
- 6. What motivates Neff to commit the crime?
A) Desperation for money
B) His attraction to Phyllis
C) Jealousy of Mr. Dietrichson
D) A bet
- 7. What item does Neff use to murder Mr. Dietrichson?
A) Poison
B) A gun
C) A wrench
D) A knife
- 8. How does Walter Neff narrate the story?
A) In a diary format
B) In a third-person perspective
C) In a first-person perspective
D) In a present-tense format
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