The Maltese Falcon · Chapter
XVI: The Third Murder explained
Captain Jacobi, mortally wounded, staggers into Spade's office with the falcon and dies.
What happens
Captain Jacobi, mortally wounded, staggers into Spade's office with the falcon and dies. Spade unwraps the bird, confirming it is the coveted statuette. Effie Perine receives a frantic phone call from Brigid O'Shaughnessy, who is in danger at the Alexandria, but the call is cut off. Spade, torn between protecting the falcon and helping Brigid, instructs Effie to call the police with a sanitized story and leaves to investigate.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Corruption
The falcon's arrival and Spade's triumphant handling of it underscore the corrupting allure of the treasure, even as a man lies dead.
Betrayal and Loyalty
Effie's loyalty to Brigid clashes with Spade's pragmatic caution, revealing tensions in trust and allegiance.
Characters to notice
- Sam Spade
Receives the dying Jacobi, unwraps the falcon, and decides to go to Brigid's aid despite his resentment.
- Effie Perine
Helps Spade with the dead body, witnesses the falcon's discovery, and receives Brigid's desperate phone call.
- Captain Jacobi
Brings the falcon to Spade's office before dying from multiple gunshot wounds.
- Brigid O'Shaughnessy
Calls Spade from the Alexandria in distress, but the call is abruptly cut off.
Key passages
“Spade laughed. He put a hand down on the bird. His widespread fingers had ownership in their curving.”
Spade chuckled and placed his hand possessively on the falcon, his fingers spreading as if claiming it.
Shows Spade's immediate sense of triumph and ownership upon obtaining the falcon.
“She beat his chest with her fists, crying: 'No, no—you've got to go to her.'”
Effie pounded on Spade's chest and insisted he must go help Brigid immediately.
Highlights Effie's emotional urgency and her loyalty to Brigid.