Spade is characterized in an interview with Hammett as “a hard and shifty fellow, able to take care of himself in any situation, able to get the best of anybody he comes in contact with, whether criminal, innocent by-stander or client” (Introduction). There are a few cases in the book in which Spade behaves this way. “Cairo let the pistol go the instant that Spade’s fingers touched it” (46). This dominance exemplifies Spade’s ability to “get the best of anybody he comes in contact with”. The scene in which this incidence occurs is supposed to be a hold-up by Cairo on Spade. However, Hammett chooses to highlight Spade’s strength and alpha-male qualities by allowing Spade to overtake Cairo and stop the hold-up. This indirect characterization put Spade off to a great start, but Hammett had to add more. Therefore, he gives Spade a final character revelation when he says “I won’t play the sap for you” (215). This line is Spade’s last to Brigid; coming after a long list of reasons why he will turn her in. He exercises complete control, even through his admitted love. This love was another part of Spade’s dynamic character that shows his position on traditional values. Brigid acts as more than a client, sleeping with Spade but also using him for protection. These actions reflect the new developments of society, such as flappers and speakeasies, and prove that what would have been reprehensible in years before is now allowed to fit right in.
In the beginning of the novel, Spade is presented a tough- guy detective who appears to have complete control of his surroundings. “Duke’s celebrated Criminal Cases of America… Spade’s thick fingers made a cigarette” (11). Spade is reading what would be considered a very manly novel and then is described with “thick fingers” and using them to roll a cigarette; there is clearly nothing feminine about him. Spade’s control of his surroundings also extends into his ability to control Brigid. “We didn’t exactly believe your story… we believed your two hundred dollars.” Spade’s proves his real motives in life, and his cunning understanding of all of his surroundings. He is motivated by her money, not her sob story. Also, he knew immediately that she was lying; something an unsuspecting reader would not. All of this characterization in the first chapter is necessary to position Spade where Dashiell Hammett wanted him to be, as a new style of detective that can change the way a detective behaves. Finally, Hammett is ready to start his new genre.
In the beginning of the novel, Spade is presented a tough- guy detective who appears to have complete control of his surroundings. “Duke’s celebrated Criminal Cases of America… Spade’s thick fingers made a cigarette” (11). Spade is reading what would be considered a very manly novel and then is described with “thick fingers” and using them to roll a cigarette; there is clearly nothing feminine about him. Spade’s control of his surroundings also extends into his ability to control Brigid. “We didn’t exactly believe your story… we believed your two hundred dollars.” Spade’s proves his real motives in life, and his cunning understanding of all of his surroundings. He is motivated by her money, not her sob story. Also, he knew immediately that she was lying; something an unsuspecting reader would not. All of this characterization in the first chapter is necessary to position Spade where Dashiell Hammett wanted him to be, as a new style of detective that can change the way a detective behaves. Finally, Hammett is ready to start his new genre.
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