# XII: Merry-Go-Round explained — The Maltese Falcon

> Chapter companion for The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett.

## What happens

Spade searches Brigid's apartment, disarms Wilmer, meets with Sid Wise to discuss Iva Archer's alibi, and learns that Brigid never arrived at her intended destination.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Duplicity

Iva Archer's alibi is presented with skepticism; Spade distrusts her story and the overall web of lies.

### Betrayal and Loyalty

Spade's loyalty is tested as he navigates conflicting accounts from Iva and Brigid; Sid Wise questions Spade's trust.

### Urban Alienation

Spade's solitary movements through the city and the 'merry-go-round' of futile actions underscore a sense of isolation and disconnection.

## Character check-ins

### Sam Spade

Searches Brigid's apartment, disarms Wilmer, meets with Sid Wise, and learns Brigid is missing.

### Brigid O'Shaughnessy

Her apartment is searched by Spade; she fails to arrive at her intended destination.

### Wilmer Cook

Escorts Spade to Gutman's; is disarmed by Spade in the corridor.

### Sid Wise

Spade's lawyer; relays Iva Archer's alibi and discusses the case.

### Effie Perine

Reports that Brigid never arrived; confronts Spade about the situation.

### Iva Archer

Her alibi is recounted by Sid Wise; she claims to have followed Miles and then gone to a movie.

## Key lines

> The cheaper the crook, the gaudier the patter

Low-level criminals tend to use flashy, clichéd language.

_Spade mocks Wilmer's threatening tone._

> Another merry-go-round

Another pointless, repetitive cycle of events.

_Spade expresses frustration upon learning Brigid is missing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maltese_falcon_se/chapters/xii-merry-go-round
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maltese_falcon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maltese_falcon_se/chapters