I'm coming to this latest discussion a little late, but I
find it interesting that a group of mystery fans, can discuss
fictional characters as if they were ever alive.
In my opinion, Bridget was a sociopath. I believe, as several
others have suggested, that Spade at least should have known
that Bridget killed Archer. What I don't quite understand is
why she did. Or was it just Hammett's tool to get the story
going?
The observation of the homosexual subculture of pre-WWII is
interesting, but something I really never thought about until
this current thread. Yes, I did observe the implications when
reading the book, and it seems even more obvious in the
Bogart version of the book, but again ... so what. It doesn't
make Spade evil in the battle; they just happen to be the
people on the other side.
Bridget put upon? Nope, has nothing to do with the battle of
the sexes, except that she happens to be the sole female in
the battle for who gets the rara avis.
I like the theory, that Spade didn't turn her over to the
police because he wanted the reward of the bird for himself.
I'd never thought of that. I just thought he wanted to find
the bird because of the ten thou he was promised. Although,
thinking about it, why would he trust Gutman and company to
pay off?
Spade isn't evil. He's an entrepreneur.
Another thought: did Spade turn Bridget over to the cops
because it was the easiest way to get that particular
albatross from around his neck?
It's a tribute to Hammett to see how we discuss the
Psychology of fictional characters -- but that's where I came
in.
BTW, pity poor Scarlett O'Hara? Not me.
Jack Bludis
http://crimespace.ning.com/profile/JackBludis
http://jackbludis.com/aboutjack.htm
http://thrillingdetective.com/fiction/03_06.html
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