Research Paper on:
Philip Marlowe as a Knight in The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

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showing a knight in dark armor rescuing a lady" (3). Marlowe not only identifies with the knight, but also considers that he could do the knights job better. "I stood  there and thought that if I lived in the house, I would sooner or later have to climb up there and help him. He didnt seem to be really  trying" (Chandler 3). As this suggests, in many ways, Marlowe, private detective for hire, is a modern day knight-errant, rescuing damsels in distress and living by his own code of  honor. Rather than armor, Marlowe is shielded by his abilities, which include his keen intelligence and his ability to react swiftly to dangerous situations. Unimpressed by class or reputation,  Marlowe goes up against gangster-types, such as Eddie Mars, knowing that these men are dangerous, but secure in his ability to fight them, out-think them, and, in general, remain in  charge of any given situation. A rugged individualist, Marlowe lives by his own creed and code of honor, he does not subscribe to anyone elses and disdains authority.  Despite Chandlers vivid characterization of Marlowe, The Big Sleep is a very plot-driven novel and it is within the context of the action of the plot that Marlowes personality is  revealed. The reader is introduced to Marlowe as he is about to call on a potential client, the elderly, but very rich, General Sternwood. Marlowe is the novels narrator  and he comments on his own immaculate appearance for this interview, including the fact that he is "neat, clean, shaved and sober," which suggests that this description was usually for  him (3). Over the next several pages are filled with Chandlers detailed description of the Sternwood mansion, the staff, and General Sternwoods youngest daughter, Carmen. This description not only serves