Teaching Students About Maltese Falcon
When introducing students to Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 classic detective novel, ‘The Maltese Falcon,’ it is essential to not only delve into the intricacies of its complex characters and plot, but also to understand the real-world history of the titular falcon. In this article, we will explore methods for teaching students about the Maltese Falcon, both as a literary work and as an artifact with a rich history.
1. Provide Background Information:
Begin by giving students a brief overview of Dashiell Hammett’s life and career as a writer of hard-boiled detective fiction. This context will help students appreciate the significance of ‘The Maltese Falcon’ within the literary world.
2. Discuss Key Themes & Characters:
Introduce students to the main characters of the novel: private detective Sam Spade, femme fatale Brigid O’Shaughnessy, and antagonists Joel Cairo and Kasper Gutman. Discuss themes such as betrayal, greed, and deception, highlighting how these themes are embodied throughout the novel.
3. Analyze Plot Structure & Literary Techniques:
Walk through the plot of ‘The Maltese Falcon’ and identify how Hammett employed various literary techniques to build suspense. Emphasize the importance of pacing and effective dialogue in constructing an engaging mystery.
4. Delve into The History and Significance of The Maltese Falcon:
Beyond being a captivating fictional artifact, share with students that Malta actually has a rich falconry history that dates back centuries. Talk about its symbolic importance among royals and aristocrats, as well as tales surrounding real-life ornate falcon statuettes.
5. Compare ‘The Maltese Falcon’ to Adaptations & Other Detective Fiction:
Discuss films based on ‘The Maltese Falcon’, such as the 1941 John Huston-directed adaptation starring Humphrey Bogart. Encourage students to compare and contrast different iterations of the story to better understand how audience expectations and cultural norms have shifted over time. Also, compare ‘The Maltese Falcon’ to other detective fiction from the same time period, highlighting similarities and differences in tone and subject matter.
Conclusion:
Teaching about ‘The Maltese Falcon’ offers an opportunity to immerse students not only in one of the best examples of hard-boiled detective fiction but also in an artifact that carries a rich history both within and beyond the novel. With a better understanding of its enduring appeal, your students will be able to appreciate the nuances of this classic literary masterpiece.