Essay Questions

Why is Marlowe avoiding entering the most exclusive clubs in Bay City, California?

Marlowe is a person of high moral standing, and during his tenure as a private investigator, he discovered that deceptive people frequent exclusive clubs. Some wealthy and crooked personalities that frequent such clubs include Derace, Cavendish and Tommy. Most of these characters have accumulated wealth by killing and defrauding innocent citizens. Consequently, Marlowe knows that wealth corrupts, and he avoids interacting with people who can easily manipulate him to make wrong choices in life.

How does the author explore the theme of trickery in the novel The Black-Eyed Blonde by Benjamin Black?

The theme of trickery is predominant in the novel because Derace and Cavendish trick Marlowe into searching for someone who does not exist. Cavendish and Derace know that they killed Crystal, but they report her as missing. Derace directs Marlowe to search for Crystal and bring her home alive. In the end, Marlowe is shocked to learn that Crystal is dead and the culprits behind her murder are the people who approached him to initiate the search mission.

How does Benjamin Black depict the sense of sight to readers?

The author depicts a sense of sight when describing Clare Cavendish. The author writes, "She had captivating eyes that held an air of mystery, hinting at depths yet to be discovered." The description shows Cavendish's gorgeousness when Marlowe first sees her. Cavendish's black eyes are alluring and draw the attention of anyone who looks at her. Marlowe finds Cavendish irresistible.