The Maltese Falcon

At the end of the novel, Spade outlines his code of ethics. How does his code appear throughout the interactions he navigates in The Maltese Falcon? In what ways does Spade use the code for his benefit? Does he use the code to ever benefit others? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

How are the women in the novel—Brigid O'Shaughnessy, Iva Archer, and Effie Perine—treated by Spade, and what does this say about his opinion of them? How does each woman navigate the narrative to serve her own interests, if at all? What do their characterizations say about the time period’s view of women?

Money is the primary motivating factor for almost all of the characters in the novel. What does this suggest about wealth? Choose 2 to 3 characters and compare and contrast their relationship to money and how it influences their actions throughout the novel.