The 'big sleep novel' is a detective story. It follows the adventures of a private detective as he tries to solve a complex case filled with mystery, crime, and a web of secrets.
A quote like 'Dead men are heavier than broken hearts.' is very characteristic of the noir atmosphere in 'The Big Sleep'. It reflects the hard - boiled detective's view of the world, where death and emotional turmoil are part of the gritty reality they deal with on a daily basis.
In the 'big sleep novel', the central character is the detective, of course. He is a complex figure with his own set of values and methods. There are also the rich and powerful families involved in the case. Their members play significant roles as they are either directly or indirectly related to the crimes being investigated. Additionally, there are some side characters like informants and other people in the criminal underworld that the detective has to deal with during his investigation.
One of the main themes is corruption. The seedy underworld in the story is full of corrupt characters. Another theme is mystery. The complex plot keeps the reader guessing throughout.
There's Carmen Sternwood. She is a complex character whose actions and behavior are key to the plot. And of course, General Sternwood, whose request sets the whole mystery in motion.
The ending of 'The Big Sleep' is somewhat ambiguous. It leaves a sense of mystery. Marlowe has been through all these complex investigations and encounters, and in the end, he just continues on in the seedy world he inhabits. It shows that the cycle of crime and mystery doesn't really end. There's always another case waiting around the corner for him.
One main feature is its complex plot. It weaves together multiple mysteries and sub - plots, keeping the reader guessing. The characters are also a big draw. They are often morally ambiguous, adding depth to the story.
The Big Sleep is a classic in crime fiction because it set the standard for many detective stories to come. The way it weaves together different sub - plots and characters is masterful. It has a sense of authenticity in its portrayal of the seedy underbelly of the city, which makes it a great example of crime fiction.