Who is the author of 'The Long Goodbye'?

The author of 'The Long Goodbye' is Raymond Chandler.

What are the main themes in 'The Long Goodbye'?

The main themes in 'The Long Goodbye' include Fiction, Literature, Mystery and Thriller.

What genre is 'The Long Goodbye'?

'The Long Goodbye' is categorized as Fiction, Literature.

What is the main plot of 'The Long Goodbye'?

'The Long Goodbye' is a noir detective novel featuring private investigator Philip Marlowe. The story unfolds as Marlowe befriends a troubled writer named Terry Lennox, who is accused of murdering his wealthy wife. After Lennox flees to Mexico, Marlowe finds himself embroiled in a complex web of deception, betrayal, and violence. The narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of life in post-war America, as Marlowe investigates the truth behind the murder while grappling with his own sense of right and wrong.

Who is the protagonist of the story and what is his profession?

The protagonist of 'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler is Philip Marlowe, who is a private detective.

What themes are explored in 'The Long Goodbye'?

'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler explores several themes including: Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between the protagonist, Philip Marlowe, and his friend Terry Lennox highlights the complexities of friendship and the moral dilemmas that can arise when loyalty is tested. Betrayal and Trust: The narrative examines how trust can be easily broken, and betrayal can come from unexpected sources, reflecting the darker sides of human relationships. Isolation and Loneliness: Marlowe's character embodies the existential struggle of the individual in a corrupt society, showcasing the theme of loneliness amid a world filled with deceit. Morality and Ethics: The novel raises questions about moral ambiguity and the nature of justice, emphasizing that right and wrong are not always clear-cut. The Dehumanizing Nature of Society: Chandler critiques societal corruption and the changes in post-war America, reflecting on how superficial relationships can overshadow genuine human connection.

How does the setting influence the story in 'The Long Goodbye'?

In 'The Long Goodbye,' the setting of Los Angeles plays a crucial role in shaping the story and its themes. The city is depicted as a complex and sometimes corrupt environment, reflecting the moral ambiguities faced by the protagonist, Philip Marlowe. The contrast between the glamorous surface of Hollywood and the darker, grittier aspects of life in the city emphasizes the themes of betrayal, loneliness, and disillusionment. Marlowe's navigation through various neighborhoods and social strata exposes him to the lies and deceptions that underpin society. The changing landscape of Los Angeles, marked by urban development and shifting social dynamics, also mirrors Marlowe's own struggles and the overarching sense of nostalgia for a lost past. Overall, the setting enhances the mood of existential inquiry and highlights the isolation of Marlowe as he seeks truth in a morally ambiguous world.

What are some key character relationships in the book and how do they affect the plot?

In 'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler, several key character relationships drive the plot and unveil themes of loyalty, betrayal, and morality: Philip Marlowe and Terry Lennox: Terry is a close friend of Marlowe and the story begins with their strong bond. Marlowe's loyalty to Lennox plays a crucial role in the narrative, as he helps him after a suspected murder. This relationship sets off a chain of events leading to Marlowe's entanglement in a complex investigation. Philip Marlowe and Eileen Wade: Eileen, the wife of the wealthy writer Roger Wade, becomes another pivotal character. Marlowe's attraction to her and his desire to protect her from her destructive husband complicate his feelings and moral choices. Eileen’s vulnerability influences Marlowe's actions and decisions throughout the novel. Philip Marlowe and Roger Wade: Roger, the troubled author, embodies the theme of personal demons. His relationship with Marlowe is marked by tension as Marlowe tries to uncover the truth behind a series of events involving Roger and Eileen. This dynamic highlights Marlowe's role as both a detective and a confidant, deepening his moral dilemmas. Philip Marlowe and the Law: Marlowe's interactions with various law enforcement characters, including police officers and private detectives, reflect the novel's exploration of justice and corruption. His outsider status places him in conflict with official authorities, emphasizing his role as a lone investigator seeking the truth. Overall, these relationships underpin the novel's themes of friendship, betrayal, and the quest for truth, and they significantly impact Marlowe's character development and the unfolding of the plot.

The Long Goodbye

In 'The Long Goodbye,' private detective Philip Marlowe finds himself drawn into a labyrinth of mystery and betrayal when his friend Terry Lennox is implicated in a murder. As Marlowe uncovers the truth, he wrestles with loyalty and disillusionment in a corrupt world. The novel explores themes of friendship, morality, and the complexities of human nature. With Chandler's signature hard-boiled prose, each page reveals the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles and the bittersweet nature of loss. Will Marlowe's pursuit of justice cost him everything?

By Raymond Chandler

Published: 1988

""There is no greater illusion than a first love, and no greater error than believing it can endure beyond the shadow of death.""

Fiction Literature Mystery and Thriller

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What Readers Say About This Book

The renowned novel from crime fiction master Raymond Chandler, with the "quintessential urban private eye" (Los Angeles Times), Philip Marlowe • Featuring the iconic character that inspired the film Marlowe, starring Liam Neeson. In noir master Raymond Chandler's The Long Goodbye, Philip Marlowe befriends a down on his luck war veteran with the scars to prove it. Then he finds out that Terry Lennox has a very wealthy nymphomaniac wife, whom he divorced and remarried and who ends up dead. And now Lennox is on the lam and the cops and a crazy gangster are after Marlowe.

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Key Points from The Long Goodbye

In "The Long Goodbye," Raymond Chandler masterfully develops a complex plot that intricately weaves together themes of loyalty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The story begins with Philip Marlowe's seemingly straightforward case: investigating the murder of a woman tied to his friend, Terry Lennox. As Marlowe delves deeper, he encounters a series of unexpected twists that complicate the narrative. For instance, after Marlowe helps Lennox evade authorities, he discovers that Terry is implicated in both the murder and has a dubious past that forces Marlowe to rethink his sense of loyalty. The incremental revelation of these layers of deception not only engages the reader but also highlights the corrupt nature of Los Angeles, where moral certainties are persistently challenged. Chandler's skillful plotting emphasizes the significance of the choices Marlowe faces, which often reflect the broader existential struggles of good versus evil. Ultimately, the story's arc culminates in a profound disillusionment for Marlowe, effectively illustrating the central theme that the world is rarely black and white, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of justice and friendship.

About the Author

Raymond Chandler

Raymond Chandler (1888-1959) was an influential American novelist and screenwriter, best known for his contributions to the detective fiction genre. His notable works include 'The Big Sleep', 'Farewell, My Lovely', and 'The Long Goodbye', featuring the iconic private investigator Philip Marlowe. Chandler's writing style is characterized by its rich, lyrical prose, sharp wit, and a keen exploration of moral complexity within a gritty urban landscape. He is credited with elevating hardboiled detective fiction, crafting narratives that explore themes of corruption, complexity of human nature, and societal decay.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors: Raymond Chandler
Published: August 1988
Publisher: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard
ISBN: 0394757688
Language: English
Pages: 386
Genres: FictionLiteratureMystery and Thriller

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“"There is no greater illusion than a first love, and no greater error than believing it can endure beyond the shadow of death."”

The Long Goodbye

By Raymond Chandler

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The Long Goodbye

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What Readers Say About This Book

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Key Points from The Long Goodbye

About the Author

Raymond Chandler

Book Details

Purchase Options

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A Million Little Pieces

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