The Maltese Falcon
How does Hammett use characters names to symbolize their function?
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The author writes in a very tongue-in-cheek sarcastic style and even names his characters to symbolize their functions. Cairo is from the Mediterranean area, and his name represents the Egyptian city of the same name. Spade is a private detective hired to turn over facts in order to arrive at solutions. Spade's attorney, Sid Wise, is named for his professional wisdom.