General Vision and Viewpoint (Leaving Cert English): Revision Notes
General Vision and Viewpoint
The Big Sleep presents a bleak and cynical perspective on 1930s Los Angeles, portraying a society riddled with corruption, moral decay, and disillusionment. Through the eyes of private detective Philip Marlowe, readers navigate a world where the boundaries between right and wrong are blurred, and survival often necessitates compromise.
1. The Corruption of Society
Chandler depicts a world where corruption permeates all levels of society, from law enforcement to the wealthy elite. Marlowe's investigations reveal that those in positions of power are often complicit in or directly involved with criminal activities. This pervasive corruption fosters a climate of mistrust and moral ambiguity.
Quotation:
- "Cops get very large and emphatic when an outsider tries to hide anything, but they do the same things themselves every other day, to oblige their friends or anybody with a little pull." This reflects Marlowe's recognition of the double standards within the justice system.
2. Wealth, Status, and Social Mobility
The novel critiques the illusion of the American Dream, illustrating how wealth and status are often maintained through unethical means. Characters from lower socioeconomic backgrounds find it nearly impossible to ascend the social ladder, while the affluent use their resources to manipulate and control.
- "General Sternwood's a rich man," I said. "He's an old friend of the D.A.'s father. If he wants to hire a full-time boy to run errands for him, that's no reflexion on the police. It's just a luxury he is able to afford himself." This underscores the disparities in how justice is served, influenced by wealth and connections.
3. Cynicism and Survival
Marlowe embodies a survivalist mentality, adopting a cynical outlook as a defence mechanism against the pervasive dishonesty he encounters. His scepticism is not unfounded, as deceit and betrayal are recurrent themes throughout his journey.
- "He didn't know the right people. That's all a police record means in this rotten crime-ridden country." Here, Marlowe comments on the arbitrary nature of criminal records, suggesting that connections often outweigh justice.
4. Masculinity
The narrative explores traditional notions of masculinity, portraying Marlowe as the archetypal hard-boiled detective—stoic, assertive, and morally complex. However, this portrayal also delves into the vulnerabilities and isolation that can accompany such a rigid masculine identity.
Quotation:
- "The muzzle of the Luger looked like the mouth of the Second Street tunnel, but I didn't move. Not being bullet proof is an idea I had had to get used to." This reflects Marlowe's acceptance of his own mortality, a rare acknowledgement of vulnerability in his otherwise tough exterior.