The Maltese Falcon · Chapter
VII: G in the Air explained
Spade brings Brigid to his apartment and tells her the Flitcraft story, a parable about a man who disappears and starts a new life.
What happens
Spade brings Brigid to his apartment and tells her the Flitcraft story, a parable about a man who disappears and starts a new life. Cairo arrives, and they discuss the falcon's whereabouts. The police, Dundy and Polhaus, arrive and hear Cairo's cries for help, forcing their way into the apartment.
Themes in this chapter
The Quest for Authenticity
Flitcraft's sudden disappearance and new life illustrate a search for meaning and authenticity.
Deception and Duplicity
Brigid and Cairo's negotiations are filled with lies and hidden motives.
Urban Alienation
The characters navigate a city of surveillance, police, and isolation.
Characters to notice
- Sam Spade
Tells the Flitcraft story to Brigid, orchestrates the meeting with Cairo, and handles the police intrusion.
- Brigid O'Shaughnessy
Listens to the Flitcraft story, negotiates with Cairo about the falcon, and shows anxiety about the boy watching the house.
- Joel Cairo
Arrives at Spade's apartment, discusses the falcon deal, and later screams for help, leading to the police entering.
- Wilmer Cook
Mentioned as the boy watching the house from outside.
- Tom Polhaus
Accompanies Dundy to Spade's apartment and witnesses the disturbance.
- Lieutenant Dundy
Confronts Spade at the door and decides to enter after hearing Cairo's cries.
- Flitcraft
Subject of Spade's story about a man who disappeared and started a new life.
Key passages
“He went like that, like a fist when you open your hand.”
He vanished completely and suddenly.
Spade describes Flitcraft's disappearance.
“You don't have to trust me, anyhow, as long as you can persuade me to trust you.”
Your trust isn't necessary if you can convince me to trust you.
Spade's pragmatic view on trust.
“I am delighted to see you again, Miss O'Shaughnessy.”
I'm pleased to meet you once more.
Cairo's formal greeting to Brigid.