The scene is atop the George Washington Bridge. The Green Goblin has kidnapped Gwen and left a pumpkin bomb, or "one of Goblin's Lanterns," atop Gwen's handbag as a calling card for Spidey to find in his apartment.
The stage is set, players on their mark, and Gobbie opens up:
"Spider-Man! Or should I say-- Mister Parker? I have your WOMAN up here, my friend-- I trust you understand what that means? .... Your presence in this world has been a source of constant Agony to me. I wish you to leave it-- Permanently. Or else... Gwen Stacy Dies!"
The Green Goblin's threat is critical to what happens next. There's been a lot of conjecture regarding Stacy's death; did Spidey really kill her or was she already dead by the hands of the Goblin. Either Green Goblin's is threatening with the truth, and Gwen is alive, or he's lying and Gwen is already dead. But, as we all know super villain types are consistent in at least one area; they simply do not go through all of their insane efforts and plot twists simply to have only an empty threat to throw at the hero.
No, they have plot twists and traps, and yes plenty of lies, but the lies are there to lead the hero further into the trap. In this scenario, Spidey is already at the climax of the story, he is confronting the villain, right where Goblin wants him. Goblin wants the throw down, so he isn't lying because it simply doesn't help him move the plot along. It doesn't help his cause to have Stacy already dead....
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Death of Gwen Stacy