Major Issues
Author Links
Essay Questions

Major Issues

In his famous private detective Philip Marlowe, Raymond Chandler created a character that became a staple not only in his own works, but also as a model for 20th century literary detectives. Critics describe Marlowe as tough but decent, a hard-nosed seeker of truth and justice. Marlowe is also the typically American independent hero, thwarted not only by corrupt and violent criminals, but also by inept, and often corrupt, police. Chandler is credited with changing the status of detective fiction from pop culture to literature. Hallmarks of his style include detailed scenic descriptions, evocative establishment of mood, and the deadpan, cynical humor of his detective-narrator. Scholars have analyzed Chandler’s fictional chronicling of Southern California, especially Los Angeles, and his innovative incorporation of street slang. Chandler’s extensive influence on later detective writers has also been studied.

Author Links

The Raymond Chandler Website
A comprehensive site offering Chandler biography, criticism, works, links, and Chanderlisms.

Raymond Chandler (1888-1959)
Bio-critical essay exploring highlights of Chandler’s literary life and his significance as master of hard-boiled crime fiction.

The Simple Art of Murder
Critical essay by Joyce Carol Oates in which she assesses Chandler’s work and significance.

Raymond Chandler
Extensive, detailed essay examining Chandler’s major works, strengths, and weaknesses.

Twists, Slugs, and Roscoes: A Glossary of Hard-Boiled Slang
Dictionary of vocabulary and slang found in Chandler and other crime fiction writers.

Raymond Chandler’s Hamlet
An amusing spoof of both Shakespeare and Chandler.