Using the Highsmith, Thompson, and Mosley novels as examples, identify and trace significant developments these novels represent that distinguish them from the Hammett, Chandler, and Cain readings with which we began this course. Formulate and defend an argument concerning the development of US noir fiction based on these novels, with substantive attention to Highsmith, Thompson, and Mosley. You may choose a particular theme for comparative discussion, such as the role of the state, the politics of place, social borders, knowledge and epistemologies, social class, sexualities, etc.
The final exam paper should be five full text pages in length, plus an additional title page that contains an abstract summarizing the paper’s argument. Use an 11 or 12 point font and do not space between paragraphs.