American hard-boiled school, “noir” fiction
Language is an important medium for writers and this work will exemplary survey the use of language as a violent medium in the novel The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler. Therefore the private eye Philip Marlowe, main character of the story, will be analysed. In the conclusion the question whether a private eye like Marlowe is more realistic than a traditional private eye like Sherlock Holmes will be considered.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The life of Raymond Chandler
- The long goodbye
- Summary
- Philip Marlowe
- Language as a violent medium
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to provide an analysis of the use of language as a violent medium in Raymond Chandler’s novel The Long Goodbye, focusing on the character of Philip Marlowe and how Chandler’s writing style contributes to the narrative.
- The evolution of the private detective genre
- The portrayal of Philip Marlowe as a complex and flawed character
- The use of language as a tool for violence and social commentary
- Chandler's unique writing style, including his use of dialogue, vivid descriptions, and colloquial speech
- The exploration of themes such as corruption, social inequalities, and moral ambiguity
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The novel opens with Marlowe recalling his initial encounter with Terry Lennox, a wealthy playboy entangled in a murder case. This plotline unfolds as Marlowe assists Lennox in escaping to Tijuana, leading to confrontations with the police and eventual imprisonment. The chapter concludes with Lennox's suicide in Mexico and a letter revealing details about the death of his wife, Sylvia.
The second plotline centers around Marlowe's assignment to care for the alcoholic novelist, Roger Wade. This involves tracking him down, reuniting him with his wife Eileen, and witnessing a possible suicide attempt. Gradually, the connection between these two plotlines becomes apparent, revealing a complex web of relationships, secrets, and ultimately, murder.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key terms and concepts explored in this work include: American hard-boiled fiction, noir, private detective, Philip Marlowe, Raymond Chandler, language as a violent medium, social commentary, corruption, crime fiction, realistic mystery fiction, dialogue, colloquial speech, vivid descriptions, character development, themes of moral ambiguity, and the portrayal of a flawed protagonist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is language used as a "violent medium" in The Long Goodbye?
In Raymond Chandler's work, language is not just for communication but serves as a tool for aggression, power dynamics, and social commentary, often reflected in Philip Marlowe's sharp dialogue and cynical wit.
What characterizes the "hard-boiled" detective genre?
Hard-boiled fiction, or noir, features a tough, unsentimental protagonist, realistic urban settings, moral ambiguity, and a focus on crime and corruption in modern society.
Who is Philip Marlowe?
Philip Marlowe is the iconic private eye created by Raymond Chandler. He is portrayed as a complex, flawed, and lonely figure who adheres to a personal moral code in a corrupt world.
How does Marlowe compare to Sherlock Holmes?
The analysis considers Marlowe as a more "realistic" detective compared to the traditional, purely intellectual Sherlock Holmes, as Marlowe is deeply affected by the violence and social decay he encounters.
What are the main themes of The Long Goodbye?
The novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, the corrupting influence of wealth, social inequality, and the difficulty of maintaining integrity in a "noir" environment.
- Quote paper
- Martina Hoffeins (Author), 2004, The use of language in The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/81464
