“The Maltese Falcon” captures the existential absurdity of Peyton Manning in a Broncos’ uniform.
Tag Archives: Dashiell Hammett
Young Idealists, Become Sam Spade
David Brooks recommends that young idealists toughen up a la Sam Spade.
Will GOP Base Play the Sap Yet Again?
Is the Republican establishment simply exploiting its base, like Tom (in “Mill on the Floss”) exploits Maggie and as Brigid O’Shaughnessy (in “The Maltese Falcon”) tries to exploit Sam Spade?
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged George Eliot, Maltese Falcon, Mill on the Floss, Presidential politics, Tea Party Comments closed
Sam Spade Takes on Sarah Palin
Something about Monday’s debate amongst Republicans vying for their party’s presidential nomination reminded me of Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon.” They are all chasing after a legendary black bird that seems to be priceless but all too often turns out to be a lead simulacrum.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Election, Maltese Falcon, Mitt Romney, politics, Sarah Palin, Tim Pawlenty Comments closed
Osama, Obama, and Sam Spade
There’s something about celebrating the killing of someone, even a mass murderer, that leaves me queasy. Exploring the parallel I drew Monday between America and Sam Spade helps me get a better grip on the issue.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged existentialism. Osama Bin Laden, Justice, Maltese Falcon, Terrorism Comments closed
When a Man’s Partner Is Killed . . .
What literary work does one turn to when justice is finally accomplished against the architect of of 9-11? Andrew Sullivan of the Daily Dish suggests the following quotation from Dashiel Hammet’s Maltese Falcon.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged 9-11, Maltese Falcon. Terrorism, Osama Bin Laden Comments closed
On the Logic of Having Babies
In a recent post on her website, my wonderful daughter-in-law reflects on whether she and Darien will have children. The reflection was occasioned by our Iowa Thanksgiving where she saw all of her husband’s cousins having children (and I mean all, the only exceptions being those who are in college or younger). So Betsy compiles […]
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Children, Jane Austen, Maltese Falcon, Marriage, Persuasion Comments closed
