How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"He ought to know what a swell chance he's got of hanging a one-legged rap like that on me."
"He's not figuring on proving anything in court," I said.
"No?"
"You're to be knocked off resisting arrest, or trying to make a getaway. He won't need much of a case after that." (6.66)
The Op explains to Whisper that he better watch out because Noonan wants to pin Tim's murder on Whisper. What does this say about the effectiveness of both the police force and the legal system if an innocent man can be imprisoned and convicted of a crime he didn't commit? Nothing good.
Quote #2
"Just because a man's chief of police doesn't mean he's chief. Maybe you're a lot of trouble to somebody that can be a lot of trouble to me. Don't make any difference if I think you're a right guy. I got to play with them that play with me." (12.87)
Noonan admits to the Op that it's all about the "game." To avoid being played for a sucker, you have to be the one pulling the strings. So Noonan might think that the Op is a pretty nice guy, but he still won't let his guard down. Why is Hammett's portrayal of the police force so cynical? Does Noonan have any redeeming qualities?
Quote #3
"It's Noonan you chiefly want, isn't it? Well, if you'll be a nice darling and lay off Max this time, I'll give you enough on Noonan to nail him forever." (13.12)
Dinah is trying to sell information on Noonan to the Op. What's Dinah's role in this world of cutthroat, dishonest men? How does she bend or play with the rules to get what she wants?