The Long Goodbye: A Noir Tale of Mystery, Betrayal, and Redemption
Oct 12, 2023, 01:20 AM
Chapter 1:Summary of The Long Goodbye
The Long Goodbye is a novel written by Raymond Chandler and was first published in 1953. It is the sixth book in Chandler's series featuring his hard-boiled detective character, Philip Marlowe.
The story begins with Marlowe meeting Terry Lennox, a troubled war veteran who becomes Marlowe's close friend. When Lennox's wife is found dead, he goes on the run and Marlowe helps him escape to Mexico. However, their friendship is cut short when Lennox commits suicide.
Later on, Marlowe is approached by a wealthy man named Roger Wade, a famous writer struggling with alcoholism. Wade's wife, Eileen, believes he is being manipulated by his business partner, Loring, and hires Marlowe to investigate. As Marlowe delves into the case, he encounters a wide range of characters including gangsters, corrupt police officers, and wealthy socialites.
Throughout the investigation, Marlowe uncovers a complex web of deceit and betrayal. He discovers that Lennox's wife was involved in a criminal scheme, and her death was not what it seemed. As Marlowe gets closer to the truth, he becomes the target of threats and violence.
Marlowe eventually uncovers the truth behind the various mysteries, revealing that Eileen Wade was a manipulative femme fatale who orchestrated a scheme to defraud her husband and others. In a final confrontation, Marlowe reveals Eileen's true nature and manages to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Long Goodbye is known for its intricate plot, richly developed characters, and Chandler's signature style of gritty dialogue and vivid descriptions of the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles. It explores themes of betrayal, corruption, and the deconstruction of traditional tropes of heroism and morality.
Chapter 2:the meaning of The Long Goodbye
"The Long Goodbye" is a novel written by Raymond Chandler and published in 1953. It is considered one of Chandler's best works and a classic of the hardboiled detective genre.
The story follows the character of Philip Marlowe, a private detective, as he gets caught up in a web of deception, blackmail, and murder in the corrupt and gritty city of Los Angeles. Marlowe is initially hired to help a friend of a friend, Terry Lennox, who is accused of murder. As he investigates, Marlowe uncovers a complex and intertwining set of relationships that involve wealthy families, troubled individuals, and a sinister criminal underworld.
The title, "The Long Goodbye," captures the essence of the novel's themes. It refers to the difficult and prolonged process of saying goodbye to people, places, and even illusions. Chandler explores the concept of the long goodbye on multiple levels throughout the narrative.
One interpretation of the title is the eventual separation between Marlowe and Lennox, the central character whose friendship Marlowe values but ultimately realizes he must let go to preserve his own integrity. Their goodbye is drawn out and marked by misunderstandings, betrayals, and tragic consequences.
Furthermore, "The Long Goodbye" reflects the existential nature of Marlowe's character and his detachment from the corrupt world he navigates. Marlowe is a loner and an outsider, struggling to find his place or meaningful connections. His goodbyes become a reflection of his disillusionment with society, the dark side of human nature, and the conflict between his own personal code of ethics and the corruption surrounding him.
In addition, the title also alludes to the broader society depicted in the novel. Chandler critiques the moral decay, decadence, and amorality of Los Angeles in the 1950s. The idea of a "long goodbye" represents the loss of the traditional and honorable virtues, as well as the inevitable decline and end of an era.
Overall, "The Long Goodbye" explores themes of loyalty, morality, corruption, and the complexities of human relationships. It highlights the challenges of navigating a corrupt world while maintaining one's integrity, and the pain of letting go and saying goodbye when confronted with harsh realities.
Chapter 3:The Long Goodbye chapters
The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler is a classic detective novel that follows the story of private investigator Philip Marlowe as he gets entangled in a complex web of mystery and murder. Here is a summary of the chapters in the book:
Chapter 1: Marlowe meets a drunk man named Terry Lennox outside a bar and offers him a ride home. They strike up a conversation and Lennox mentions that he killed his wife. Marlowe drops him off and curiously looks into the matter, but can find no evidence of the crime.
Chapter 2: Marlowe receives a visit from an old friend, writer Roger Wade, who is struggling with alcohol and depression. Wade's wife, Eileen, is worried about him and hires Marlowe to keep an eye on him. Marlowe agrees and begins monitoring Wade's behavior.
Chapter 3: Marlowe is approached by a woman named Linda Loring who claims her missing husband owes her money. Marlowe agrees to help find him and begins investigating the case. He deduces that Loring's husband is involved with a dangerous criminal named Mendy Menendez.
Chapter 4: Marlowe discovers that Terry Lennox has been found dead in Mexico. He suspects foul play and begins digging deeper into Lennox's past, trying to find answers about his possible involvement in his wife's murder.
Chapter 5: Marlowe visits Eileen Wade at her mansion and questions her about her husband's relationship with Lennox. She reveals that they were close friends and suggests that Lennox may have been responsible for Roger Wade's recent downward spiral.
Chapter 6: Marlowe continues to gather information about Terry Lennox and his connections. He discovers that Lennox had ties to a criminal organization and that his death may have been a result of double-crossing them.
Chapter 7: Marlowe confronts Linda Loring about her involvement with Mendy Menendez and Terry Lennox. She admits that Lennox was being forced to work for Menendez, but denies any knowledge of his involvement in the murder.
Chapter 8: Marlowe receives a call from Eileen Wade, who has found her husband Roger unconscious and covered in blood. Marlowe rushes to her aid and convinces her to call the police. He suspects that the incident may be connected to Terry Lennox's death.
Chapter 9: The police question Marlowe about the events leading up to Roger Wade's assault. He recounts what he knows and provides them with information about the possible connection to Terry Lennox. Marlowe continues to investigate the case independently.
Chapter 10: Marlowe uncovers evidence that Eileen Wade may have been involved in her husband's assault. He confronts her and accuses her of orchestrating the attack to cover up her involvement in Lennox's murder. She denies the allegations.
Chapter 11: Marlowe confronts Mendy Menendez about his role in Terry Lennox's death. Menendez reveals that Lennox had stolen money from him and that he had killed him in revenge. Marlowe realizes that he has been manipulated by all the parties involved.
Chapter 12: Marlowe arranges a meeting with Eileen Wade and confronts her about her manipulative actions. She confesses to her role in Lennox's murder and reveals that she was trying to protect her husband from the truth. Marlowe warns her that the truth will eventually catch up with her.
Chapter 13: Marlowe confronts Roger Wade about his wife's confession. He reveals that he had suspected her involvement in Lennox's murder and had been trying to protect her. Wade agrees to testify against his wife in court.
Chapter 14: Marlowe attends Eileen Wade's trial. She is found guilty of Terry Lennox's murder and sentenced to death. Marlowe reflects on the events and their impact on everyone involved.
The Long Goodbye is a complex and intricate novel that delves into themes of betrayal, corruption, and the dark underbelly of society. Marlowe's relentless pursuit of the truth uncovers a web of secrets and deception, ultimately leading to justice for the victims.
Chapter 4: Quotes of The Long Goodbye
1. "There are blondes and blondes and it is almost a joke word nowadays. All blondes have their points, except perhaps the metallic ones who are as blond as a Zulu under the bleach and as to disposition as soft as a sidewalk. There is the small cute blonde who cheeps and twitters, and the big statuesque blonde who straight-arms you with an ice-blue glare. There is the blonde who gives you the up-from-under look and smells lovely and shimmers and hangs on your arm and is always very tired when you take her home."
2. "I needed a drink, I needed a lot of life insurance, I needed a vacation, I needed a home in the country. What I had was a coat, a hat and a gun. I put them on and left the room."
3. "It seemed like a nice neighborhood to have bad habits in."
4. "A man who drinks too much on occasion is still the same man as he was sober. An alcoholic, a real alcoholic, is not the same man at all. You can't predict anything about him for sure except that he will be someone you never met before."
5. "He looked about as inconspicuous as a tarantula on a slice of angel food."
6. "I like bars just after they open for the evening. When the air inside is still cool and clean and everything is shiny and the barkeep is giving himself that last look in the mirror to see if his tie is straight and his hair is smooth."
7. "The streets were dark with something more than night."
8. "I needed a drink, I needed a lot of life-insurance, I needed a vacation, I needed a home in the country. What I had was a coat, a hat, and a gun. I put them on and went out of the room."
9. "To say farewell is to die a little."
10. "There is no trap so deadly as the trap you set for yourself."
The Long Goodbye is a novel written by Raymond Chandler and was first published in 1953. It is the sixth book in Chandler's series featuring his hard-boiled detective character, Philip Marlowe.
The story begins with Marlowe meeting Terry Lennox, a troubled war veteran who becomes Marlowe's close friend. When Lennox's wife is found dead, he goes on the run and Marlowe helps him escape to Mexico. However, their friendship is cut short when Lennox commits suicide.
Later on, Marlowe is approached by a wealthy man named Roger Wade, a famous writer struggling with alcoholism. Wade's wife, Eileen, believes he is being manipulated by his business partner, Loring, and hires Marlowe to investigate. As Marlowe delves into the case, he encounters a wide range of characters including gangsters, corrupt police officers, and wealthy socialites.
Throughout the investigation, Marlowe uncovers a complex web of deceit and betrayal. He discovers that Lennox's wife was involved in a criminal scheme, and her death was not what it seemed. As Marlowe gets closer to the truth, he becomes the target of threats and violence.
Marlowe eventually uncovers the truth behind the various mysteries, revealing that Eileen Wade was a manipulative femme fatale who orchestrated a scheme to defraud her husband and others. In a final confrontation, Marlowe reveals Eileen's true nature and manages to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Long Goodbye is known for its intricate plot, richly developed characters, and Chandler's signature style of gritty dialogue and vivid descriptions of the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles. It explores themes of betrayal, corruption, and the deconstruction of traditional tropes of heroism and morality.
Chapter 2:the meaning of The Long Goodbye
"The Long Goodbye" is a novel written by Raymond Chandler and published in 1953. It is considered one of Chandler's best works and a classic of the hardboiled detective genre.
The story follows the character of Philip Marlowe, a private detective, as he gets caught up in a web of deception, blackmail, and murder in the corrupt and gritty city of Los Angeles. Marlowe is initially hired to help a friend of a friend, Terry Lennox, who is accused of murder. As he investigates, Marlowe uncovers a complex and intertwining set of relationships that involve wealthy families, troubled individuals, and a sinister criminal underworld.
The title, "The Long Goodbye," captures the essence of the novel's themes. It refers to the difficult and prolonged process of saying goodbye to people, places, and even illusions. Chandler explores the concept of the long goodbye on multiple levels throughout the narrative.
One interpretation of the title is the eventual separation between Marlowe and Lennox, the central character whose friendship Marlowe values but ultimately realizes he must let go to preserve his own integrity. Their goodbye is drawn out and marked by misunderstandings, betrayals, and tragic consequences.
Furthermore, "The Long Goodbye" reflects the existential nature of Marlowe's character and his detachment from the corrupt world he navigates. Marlowe is a loner and an outsider, struggling to find his place or meaningful connections. His goodbyes become a reflection of his disillusionment with society, the dark side of human nature, and the conflict between his own personal code of ethics and the corruption surrounding him.
In addition, the title also alludes to the broader society depicted in the novel. Chandler critiques the moral decay, decadence, and amorality of Los Angeles in the 1950s. The idea of a "long goodbye" represents the loss of the traditional and honorable virtues, as well as the inevitable decline and end of an era.
Overall, "The Long Goodbye" explores themes of loyalty, morality, corruption, and the complexities of human relationships. It highlights the challenges of navigating a corrupt world while maintaining one's integrity, and the pain of letting go and saying goodbye when confronted with harsh realities.
Chapter 3:The Long Goodbye chapters
The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler is a classic detective novel that follows the story of private investigator Philip Marlowe as he gets entangled in a complex web of mystery and murder. Here is a summary of the chapters in the book:
Chapter 1: Marlowe meets a drunk man named Terry Lennox outside a bar and offers him a ride home. They strike up a conversation and Lennox mentions that he killed his wife. Marlowe drops him off and curiously looks into the matter, but can find no evidence of the crime.
Chapter 2: Marlowe receives a visit from an old friend, writer Roger Wade, who is struggling with alcohol and depression. Wade's wife, Eileen, is worried about him and hires Marlowe to keep an eye on him. Marlowe agrees and begins monitoring Wade's behavior.
Chapter 3: Marlowe is approached by a woman named Linda Loring who claims her missing husband owes her money. Marlowe agrees to help find him and begins investigating the case. He deduces that Loring's husband is involved with a dangerous criminal named Mendy Menendez.
Chapter 4: Marlowe discovers that Terry Lennox has been found dead in Mexico. He suspects foul play and begins digging deeper into Lennox's past, trying to find answers about his possible involvement in his wife's murder.
Chapter 5: Marlowe visits Eileen Wade at her mansion and questions her about her husband's relationship with Lennox. She reveals that they were close friends and suggests that Lennox may have been responsible for Roger Wade's recent downward spiral.
Chapter 6: Marlowe continues to gather information about Terry Lennox and his connections. He discovers that Lennox had ties to a criminal organization and that his death may have been a result of double-crossing them.
Chapter 7: Marlowe confronts Linda Loring about her involvement with Mendy Menendez and Terry Lennox. She admits that Lennox was being forced to work for Menendez, but denies any knowledge of his involvement in the murder.
Chapter 8: Marlowe receives a call from Eileen Wade, who has found her husband Roger unconscious and covered in blood. Marlowe rushes to her aid and convinces her to call the police. He suspects that the incident may be connected to Terry Lennox's death.
Chapter 9: The police question Marlowe about the events leading up to Roger Wade's assault. He recounts what he knows and provides them with information about the possible connection to Terry Lennox. Marlowe continues to investigate the case independently.
Chapter 10: Marlowe uncovers evidence that Eileen Wade may have been involved in her husband's assault. He confronts her and accuses her of orchestrating the attack to cover up her involvement in Lennox's murder. She denies the allegations.
Chapter 11: Marlowe confronts Mendy Menendez about his role in Terry Lennox's death. Menendez reveals that Lennox had stolen money from him and that he had killed him in revenge. Marlowe realizes that he has been manipulated by all the parties involved.
Chapter 12: Marlowe arranges a meeting with Eileen Wade and confronts her about her manipulative actions. She confesses to her role in Lennox's murder and reveals that she was trying to protect her husband from the truth. Marlowe warns her that the truth will eventually catch up with her.
Chapter 13: Marlowe confronts Roger Wade about his wife's confession. He reveals that he had suspected her involvement in Lennox's murder and had been trying to protect her. Wade agrees to testify against his wife in court.
Chapter 14: Marlowe attends Eileen Wade's trial. She is found guilty of Terry Lennox's murder and sentenced to death. Marlowe reflects on the events and their impact on everyone involved.
The Long Goodbye is a complex and intricate novel that delves into themes of betrayal, corruption, and the dark underbelly of society. Marlowe's relentless pursuit of the truth uncovers a web of secrets and deception, ultimately leading to justice for the victims.
Chapter 4: Quotes of The Long Goodbye
1. "There are blondes and blondes and it is almost a joke word nowadays. All blondes have their points, except perhaps the metallic ones who are as blond as a Zulu under the bleach and as to disposition as soft as a sidewalk. There is the small cute blonde who cheeps and twitters, and the big statuesque blonde who straight-arms you with an ice-blue glare. There is the blonde who gives you the up-from-under look and smells lovely and shimmers and hangs on your arm and is always very tired when you take her home."
2. "I needed a drink, I needed a lot of life insurance, I needed a vacation, I needed a home in the country. What I had was a coat, a hat and a gun. I put them on and left the room."
3. "It seemed like a nice neighborhood to have bad habits in."
4. "A man who drinks too much on occasion is still the same man as he was sober. An alcoholic, a real alcoholic, is not the same man at all. You can't predict anything about him for sure except that he will be someone you never met before."
5. "He looked about as inconspicuous as a tarantula on a slice of angel food."
6. "I like bars just after they open for the evening. When the air inside is still cool and clean and everything is shiny and the barkeep is giving himself that last look in the mirror to see if his tie is straight and his hair is smooth."
7. "The streets were dark with something more than night."
8. "I needed a drink, I needed a lot of life-insurance, I needed a vacation, I needed a home in the country. What I had was a coat, a hat, and a gun. I put them on and went out of the room."
9. "To say farewell is to die a little."
10. "There is no trap so deadly as the trap you set for yourself."