The Maltese Falcon · Chapter
XIII: The Emperor's Gift explained
Gutman welcomes Spade and recounts the elaborate history of the jewel-encrusted falcon, tracing its origins from the Knights of Rhodes through various owners across centuries.
What happens
Gutman welcomes Spade and recounts the elaborate history of the jewel-encrusted falcon, tracing its origins from the Knights of Rhodes through various owners across centuries. Spade listens impassively, revealing that Brigid has the falcon and he knows where to retrieve it, setting the stage for negotiations.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Corruption
Gutman's seventeen-year obsession with the falcon and his willingness to steal, murder, and manipulate for its possession exemplify the corrupting power of greed.
Deception and Duplicity
The falcon's history is a chain of thefts, disguises (enamel coating), and hidden identities, mirroring the characters' own deceptions.
The Quest for Authenticity
Gutman's detailed historical research and verification of the falcon's provenance reflect a search for genuine value beneath layers of disguise and rumor.
Characters to notice
- Sam Spade
Visits Gutman, returns Wilmer's pistols, and listens to the falcon's history while withholding the exact location of the bird.
- Casper Gutman
Hosts Spade, narrates the falcon's provenance from the Knights of Malta through centuries of theft and intrigue, and expresses his determination to possess it.
- Wilmer Cook
Accompanies Spade, retrieves his pistols from Gutman, and leaves the room without speaking.
- Brigid O'Shaughnessy
Referred to as having the falcon and being in Spade's custody; Gutman considers her his agent.
- Charilaos Konstantinides
The Greek dealer who identified the falcon's true nature and was murdered during a burglary that stole the bird.
- Floyd Thursby
Not directly present but implied in the chain of possession; Gutman's agents previously obtained the falcon from a Russian general.
Key passages
“Gutman opened the door. A glad smile lighted his fat face. He held out a hand and said: 'Ah, come in, sir! Thank you for coming. Come in.'”
Gutman greets Spade warmly at the door, shaking his hand and inviting him inside.
Gutman's effusive welcome contrasts with the tension of their previous encounters.
“Spade took the boy's pistols from his pockets and held them out to Gutman. 'Here. You shouldn't let him run around with these. He'll get himself hurt.'”
Spade returns Wilmer's guns to Gutman, remarking that the boy should not be carrying them.
Spade's gesture asserts dominance and mocks Wilmer's ineffectiveness.
“Now, sir, I hope you'll let me apologize for—”
Gutman begins to apologize for something, but Spade cuts him off.
Gutman's attempt at apology is dismissed as Spade focuses on the falcon.
“This is going to be the most astounding thing you've ever heard of, sir, and I say that knowing that a man of your caliber in your profession must have known some astounding things in his time.”
Gutman promises Spade an incredible story, acknowledging Spade's experience with remarkable cases.
Gutman builds anticipation for the falcon's history.
“What do you know, sir, about the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, later called the Knights of Rhodes and other things?”
Gutman asks Spade about the Knights of St. John, the crusading order.
Gutman begins his historical lecture on the falcon's origins.
“Well, sir, they did, and they settled in Crete. And they stayed there for seven years, until 1530 when they persuaded the Emperor Charles V to give them Malta, Gozo, and Tripoli.”
Gutman explains that the Knights moved to Crete and later received Malta, Gozo, and Tripoli from Emperor Charles V.
This sets the stage for the falcon's creation as a tribute gift.
