# XVII: Reno explained — Red Harvest

> Chapter companion for Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett.

## What happens

The narrator and Dinah Brand flee with Reno Starkey after a violent shootout at the Silver Arrow roadhouse. Earlier, Dinah reveals that Reno has been released on bail for a safe-blowing job, and she and the narrator discuss the danger posed by Max Thaler (Whisper), whom the narrator has framed for a murder he did not commit. They hide in a shack, are ambushed by pursuers, and escape, culminating in Reno's rescue.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Manipulation

The narrator admits framing Max Thaler for a murder, manipulating Dinah into complicity, and using her for his own ends.

### Violence and Moral Decay

The chapter features a shootout at the Silver Arrow, gunfire in the shack ambush, and a pervasive atmosphere of lethal danger.

### Class and Labor Conflict

References to Lew Yard's influence and the criminal underworld highlight the intersection of power, money, and labor exploitation in Personville.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Narrates the chapter; orchestrates the frame of Max Thaler, hides with Dinah, and helps Reno escape.

### Dinah Brand

Accompanies the narrator, expresses fear of Max Thaler, drives the car to rescue Reno Starkey.

### Reno Starkey

Recently released on bail; celebrates at the Silver Arrow, is ambushed, and rescued by the narrator and Dinah.

### Max Thaler

Referred to as a dangerous figure; the narrator admits framing him for a murder he did not commit.

### Elihu Willsson

Mentioned as receiving a visit from Lew Yard and Pete the Finn.

### Lew Yard

Mentioned as visiting Elihu Willsson and providing cover for Reno's criminal activities.

## Key lines

> I said: 'At Willsson's, probably, but I haven't been interested enough to make sure.'

The narrator claims he doesn't care where Max Thaler is hiding.

_The narrator feigns indifference to conceal his knowledge of Max's location._

> She grabbed my shoulders and tried to shake my hundred and ninety pounds. She was almost strong enough to do it. 'God damn you!'

Dinah angrily confronts the narrator about framing Max.

_Dinah's violent reaction shows her fear and anger at being used in the frame-up._

> I wrapped my arms around him, and damned near dislocated them holding him on. He made it as tough as he could for me by leaning out to try for a shot at the guns that were tossing lead all around us.

The narrator struggles to keep Reno on the car as Reno tries to shoot back at their attackers.

_The chaotic escape highlights the constant violence and danger in the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/red_harvest_se/chapters/xvii-reno
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/red_harvest_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/red_harvest_se/chapters