raymond chandler the big sleep
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"THE BIG SLEEP" by Raymond Chandler
As is typical of the style adopted by Raymond Chandler the opening paragraph to this chapter is crucial. It consists of a detailed description of the new setting, a bedroom, establishing a mood.
The paragraph as a whole gives the impression of excess and decadence in the room described. Adjectives of size portray this idea, such as "enormous ivory drapes," and "full-length mirrors." The curtains "tumbled on the white carpet," an effective image of surplus, as if the curtain overflows. Even the opening line gives an instant impression of disproportionality within the room, saying;
"This room was too big, the ceiling was too high, the doors were too tall,"
The rule of three is used, repetition of images to emphasise the picture. The sentence is made up of short emphatic statements grabbing our attention.
The decadent atmosphere is linked to that of extravagance and wealth associated with the room. Physical descriptions such as, "the ivory furniture had chromium in it," and "crystal doodads all over the place," show this. The word "doodads" is a mocking description of unnecessary items...