How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Thomas, in a tone whose matter-of-factness did not quite hide his excitement, said: "That opens another angle. Monahan's friends could have knocked off Thursby for ditching Monahan." "Dead gamblers don't have any friends," Spade said. (15.106)
Here, we see violence (and death) getting linked to the theme of loyalty (and friendship). Spade argues that dead gamblers don't have any friends because they've likely burned too many bridges and gotten too many people angry to have any loyal supporters. This theory holds true for pretty much every other character in the novel, too. Since the world is so violent, it's impossible to trust anyone.
Quote #8
When he withdrew his hand presently it came out smeared with blood. The sight of his bloody hand brought not the least nor briefest of changes to Spade's face. (16.71)
Spade's head has just been bashed in my Wilmer's foot, but Spade is completely unfazed by the sight of his own blood. What does this say about Spade's desensitized perspective on violence?
Quote #9
"Well, sir, there are other means of persuasion besides killing, and threatening to kill."
"Sure," Spade agreed, "but they're not much good unless the threat of death is behind them to hold the victim down." (18.87)
The "other means of persuasion" that Gutman refers to here could mean any number of things: bribery, torture, intense therapy sessions (okay, well, maybe not that last one). Spade, on the other hand, believes that nothing is effective without the "threat of death" to make the victim feel trapped. Does this mean Spade is advocating violence? Or is violence a necessary evil in a corrupt world?