The Big Sleep (Raymond Chandler)

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer examines the book "The Big Sleep", the first in a series of 'Phillip Marlowe' crime novels by Raymond Chandler. The writer relates that the story unfolds through the narration of Marlowe, a private detective hired by the dying millionaire General Sternwood to solve a mystery blackmail case for the meager sum of twenty-five dollars a day. The writer concentrates on the discussion about the complex and contradictory character of Phillip Marlowe, focusing on his psychology. The writer analyzes the way Marlowe thinks and speaks and looks at what that can tell the audience about his relationship to the Sternwoods, to the world of crime he encounters, and to Los Angeles.

From the Paper:

"To gain an insight into the actions of Marlowe it is first necessary to understand the context of his milieu. As early as the 1920s Los Angeles had become a commodity. The centralisation of the American Film Industry had created a city that traded the American Dream. It was marketed as Hollywood and suburban communities in the desert became immensely popular. This picture perfect ideal was shattered in the 1930's with the Wall Street collapse becoming an increasing disaster and the Great Depression gripping the nation. Now the picture perfect town had become another city where incomes dropped and unemployment was rising. Crime was rampant and dignity was lost, people only had cynicism and disillusionment for the future."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Raymond Chandler. The Big Sleep. London: Penguin Books, 1948.

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