The Masculine Figure and his Struggle against Evil-rough draft
Dashiell Hammett's novel, The Maltese Falcon, was such a success in American literature because of Hammett's version of the masculine figure in American society. Hammett shows the masculine figure through Sam Spade's character, with his firm and social moral standings, and his young attitude. Most importantly, however, is the way Hammett shows the masculine figure through the battle of evil throughout the novel. The masculine figure is one, which exemplifies the figure of Sherlock Holmes. It has a firm social and moral basis, and wins its triumphs through exercise of reason. The masculine figure fights, in its own ways, against evil. (Bazelon, 193)
The masculine figure is one which exemplifies the figure of Sherlock Holmes. It has a firm social and moral basis, and wins its triumphs through exercise of reason. The masculine figure fights, in its own ways, against evil.
English: Dashiell Hammett (1894-1961)
Sam Spade
Sam Spade, Detective(Bazelon, 193) Throughout the novel the Hammett's main character, Sam Spade, best exemplifies the masculine figure through his firm moral and social standings. "People lose teeth talking like that. If you want to hang around, you'll be polite." (Hammett, 176) In this quote Spade is talking to Brigid O'Shaughnessy about her language while in front of people. He is making a point of giving her a small lesion in etiquette and manners, which shows his beliefs of firm social standings. He is refined, meaning, he believes that it is inappropriate for anyone, especially a lady, to speak in such an undignified manner.
The firm moral standing can also bee seen though faithfulness, to any number of things, the church, family, and especially the job. The main character, Sam Spade, shows faithfulness numerous times throughout the novel, remaining faithful to his job no matter what the consequences...