Dashiell Hammett Criticism
Dashiell Hammett stands as a towering figure in American crime fiction, renowned for transforming the genre through his combination of gritty realism and literary depth. His novels, such as The Maltese Falcon and The Glass Key, are widely regarded as milestones in literature, even as his short stories elicit varied critical reactions. Homage to Dashiell Hammett acknowledges his innovative approach, despite sometimes leaning on clichéd characterizations. Notably, Steven Marcus highlights the "fiction-making" aspect of Hammett's protagonists, a concept that blurs the line between narrative and reality, further explored and debated by Roger Sale.
Hammett's influence extends beyond mere genre innovation. As both Steven Marcus and H. H. Morris observe, his works explore themes of social mistrust and moral ambiguity, portraying a world fraught with ethical decay. This elevation of crime fiction to a domain of serious literary discourse is further analyzed by James Naremore in Dashiell Hammett and the Poetics of Hard-Boiled Detection, who discusses Hammett's mastery of blending artistic expression with popular fiction.
Hammett's background as a detective infused his narratives with a level of authenticity and detail that was groundbreaking for its time. His crisp, economical prose, often compared to Ernest Hemingway's, and the creation of iconic characters like Sam Spade, have left a lasting impact on both literary and genre boundaries. As critics continue to examine his work, Hammett's fiction remains an enduring study of American society's complexities, navigating the thin line between villainy and virtue, and engaging readers in philosophical dialogues about human nature and justice.
Contents
- Principal Works
- Hammett, (Samuel) Dashiell (Vol. 3)
- Hammett, (Samuel) Dashiell (Vol. 5)
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Hammett, (Samuel) Dashiell (Vol. 19)
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Dashiell Hammett's 'Private Eye'
(summary)
In the following essay, David T. Bazelon examines Dashiell Hammett's portrayal of the masculine detective figure, arguing that his characters, notably the Continental Op, evolve from traditional moral figures into job-focused individuals who struggle with personal motives and moral ambiguity, culminating in Hammett's exploration of more complex, albeit flawed, protagonists.
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Philip Durham
(summary)
In the following essay, Philip Durham examines the evolution of Dashiell Hammett's hard-boiled private detectives, arguing that these characters reflect a tradition of American literary heroes who embody courage and justice, and whose meaningful violence critiques societal corruption while resonating with disillusioned Americans in the 1920s.
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Hammett, Chandler, and Spillane
(summary)
In the following essay, John G. Cawelti claims that Dashiell Hammett's detective fiction, marked by its ironic blend of realism and fantasy, redefined the genre through a hard-boiled style that exposed the existential cynicism and chaotic violence underlying modern life, ultimately portraying a universe dictated by chance and corruption.
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The Wings of the Falcon and The Maltese Dove
(summary)
In the following essay, George Grella explores surprising parallels between Dashiell Hammett and Henry James, suggesting that despite their stylistic differences, both authors share thematic concerns with greed, evil, and renunciation, and that Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon" reflects a Jamesian influence through its technical precision and portrayal of moral complexities.
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Order and Disorder in 'The Maltese Falcon'
(summary)
In the following essay, Donald J. Pattow argues that Dashiell Hammett's use of pairings in "The Maltese Falcon" serves to create an illusion of order, ultimately revealing a pervasive theme of disorder and mistrust within personal relationships, driven by greed and self-interest, which underscores the existential nature of the novel.
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Sam Spade: Lover
(summary)
In the following essay, Peter Wolfe argues that Dashiell Hammett's portrayal of Sam Spade in "The Maltese Falcon" reveals a complex character embodying the hard-boiled detective archetype, whose reason and moral code ultimately triumph over emotional impulses, thus solidifying his place as a prototype of the unemotional private eye.
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Dashiell Hammett's 'Private Eye'
(summary)
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Hammett, (Samuel) Dashiell (Vol. 10)
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Dashiell Hammett and the Continental Op
(summary)
In the following essay, Steven Marcus analyzes Dashiell Hammett's work, arguing that Hammett's narratives reveal a profound coherence through their complex exploration of fiction versus reality, highlighting themes of social mistrust and the interplay between art and society, which elevate crime stories to the level of literature.
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Dashiell Hammett in the Wasteland
(summary)
In the following essay, H. H. Morris argues that Dashiell Hammett's crime fiction was a profound critique of American society, portraying a corrupt world devoid of hope, where genuine criminals and detectives reflect the era's moral decay, elevating his work beyond the confines of genre fiction to serious literary status.
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Dashiell Hammett and the Continental Op
(summary)
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Hammett, Dashiell (Literary Masters)
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Introduction
(summary)
Dashiell Hammett, born in 1894 in Maryland, is a pivotal figure in the development of hard-boiled detective fiction. His early career as an operative for Pinkerton's National Detective Agency infused his writing with a gritty realism and insight into crime, making his narratives particularly engaging. Hammett's work is renowned for its taut prose, complex characters, and intricate plots, often reflecting on themes of corruption and moral ambiguity, as seen in his seminal novel The Maltese Falcon. This novel, which was adapted into a film directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart, exemplifies his ability to blend suspense with philosophical undertones, influencing countless authors and filmmakers.
Hammett's contributions to the mystery genre extend beyond novels; his involvement in films and radio, including the adaptation of his stories into successful series and movies, cemented his status as a key cultural figure. Despite facing health challenges, stemming from tuberculosis contracted during his military service, alongside political and legal battles, including his imprisonment for contempt of court during the Red Scare, Hammett remained devoted to his craft. His literary and political activities, as noted in his work with the Communist Party and the Civil Rights Congress, reflect a commitment to exploring and challenging societal issues.
Hammett's relationship with fellow writer Lillian Hellman also shaped his later life and work, contributing to a dynamic period of creativity and collaboration. Although his later years were marred by health issues and financial difficulties, his legacy endures through his innovative storytelling and influential body of work, which continues to inspire new generations of writers and filmmakers.
- About Dashiell Hammett
- Hammett at Work
- Hammett’s Era
- Hammett’s Works
- Hammett on Hammett
- Hammett as Studied
- Study Questions
- Bibliography
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Introduction
(summary)
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Hammett, Dashiell (Short Story Criticism)
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Homage to Dashiell Hammett
(summary)
Macdonald, a highly regarded author in the crime fiction genre, was the author of numerous books, including a series of novels featuring private investigator Lew Archer. In the following excerpt, he notes some minor shortcomings of Hammett's fiction, but praises him as an effective and innovative writer.
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Hammett: Profiler of Hard-Boiled Yeggs
(summary)
In the following review of The Novels of Dashiell Hammett, Durham notes the importance of Hammett's short stories and their influence on his novels.
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Continental Op
(summary)
In the following review of The Big Knockover, the critic discusses characterization in the Continental Op stories.
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Return of the Continental Op
(summary)
In this excerpt from a review of The Big Knockover, Gardner comments on Hammett's literary style and imaginative use of the detective fiction genre.
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Dashiell Hammett: Themes and Techniques
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Blair offers an overview of Hammett's career, noting many similarities between the works of Hammett and Ernest Hemingway.
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An introduction to The Continental Op
(summary)
In this excerpt Marcus discusses the philosophical underpinnings of Hammett's work; he also finds that Hammett's protagonists are often involved in a 'fiction-making' activity that establishes them as unique figures in the crime fiction genre.
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The Hammett Case
(summary)
The following review provides a response to Steven Marcus's introduction to The Continental Op, debating Marcus's assertions about the 'fiction-making' activities of the Continental Op. Sale also finds the stories in the collection to be inferior examples of Hammett's talent.
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Dashiell Hammett in the Wasteland
(summary)
In the following essay, Morris notes similarities between the works of Hammett and those of several other writers who have depicted corruption in society.
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The Short Stories
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Marling presents a detailed analysis of the author's short fiction, emphasizing the allegorical aspects of the stories.
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Dashiell Hammett and the Poetics of Hard-Boiled Detection
(summary)
In the following essay, James Naremore examines Dashiell Hammett's unique contribution to detective fiction, highlighting his ability to blend artistic literary qualities with pulp fiction, his distinctive prose style, and the complex interplay of male experience and skepticism that permeates his works while challenging traditional boundaries between popular and high art.
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Homage to Dashiell Hammett
(summary)
- Further Reading