In Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep is Marlowe a knight?
Composition by Taylor Edwards
Ms. Ferguson
English
Section 3
Nov 7, 2010
“The Big Sleep” - Is Marlowe a Knight
Philip Marlowe is the principal character in Raymond Chandler’s book “The Big Sleep”. In this story we follow Marlowe as he encounters extortion, kidnapping, seduction and murder in his attempt to solve his client’s black mailing problem. I intend to demonstrate that throughout the story, Marlowe continues to be an excellent example of a modern day knight.
In medieval times, knights were soldiers who fought for their king and country. They were recognized by their king for their loyalty, bravery, experience in battle and courtesy to his fellow people. To have the title “knight”, you were expected to have not only the strength and skills to face combat but also the control to suppress one’s aggressive side and replace it, when appropriate, with a chivalrous side which is to say, courtesy toward women. Translating this into modern times, a knight would be someone who is brave but courteous, honourable and honest, polite and respectful of women no matter what the situation may be and most of all relentless in the pursuit of justice.