Literary Devices in The Big Sleep (1946) ✍️

Brief Intro

“The Big Sleep,” directed by Howard Hawks and released in 1946, is a film noir classic based on Raymond Chandler’s novel of the same name. Starring Humphrey Bogart as the hard-boiled detective Philip Marlowe and Lauren Bacall as Vivian Rutledge, this film is a labyrinthine tale of murder, blackmail, and seduction. The plot is famously complex, but the film’s appeal lies in its sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, and atmospheric style.

Contents

Literary Devices Used in The Big Sleep

1. Dialogue

Table 1: Dialogue

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marlowe’s first meeting with Vivian Rutledge	The sharp, witty exchanges between Marlowe and Vivian showcase Chandler’s skill in creating dynamic dialogue that reveals character traits and underlying tension.
Marlowe’s interrogation of Joe Brody	The terse and biting dialogue highlights Marlowe’s relentless pursuit of truth and his ability to remain unfazed under pressure.

2. Symbolism

Table 2: Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The constant rain throughout the film	Symbolizes the murky and unclear nature of the investigation and the moral ambiguity of the characters.
The use of shadows and darkness in the mansion scenes	Represents the secrets and hidden dangers lurking within the storyline.

3. Foreshadowing

Table 3: Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
The initial conversation with General Sternwood	Hints at the complexity and danger of the case Marlowe is about to take on, foreshadowing the entangled plot ahead.
The presence of the mysterious chauffeur’s car	Signals future revelations about the chauffeur’s role in the broader conspiracy.

4. Irony

Table 4: Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marlowe’s encounter with the bookstore clerk	The situation’s dramatic irony lies in Marlowe pretending to be clueless, while actually gathering key information.
Eddie Mars’ business front as a legitimate club owner	Ironic because his respectable facade conceals his involvement in illicit activities.

5. Metaphor

Table 5: Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The labyrinthine plot	Acts as a metaphor for the confusing and deceptive nature of the criminal underworld.
Vivian’s enigmatic demeanor	Serves as a metaphor for the femme fatale archetype in film noir.

6. Allusion

Table 6: Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to classical literature	Characters often quote or refer to classic works, enriching the dialogue with deeper cultural layers.
The portrayal of Marlowe as a modern knight	Alludes to chivalric ideals, with Marlowe embodying a flawed yet noble hero.

7. Allegory

Table 7: Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The complex interplay of crime and morality	Serves as an allegory for the moral ambiguities and the often grey areas of justice.
The depiction of the corrupt wealthy elite	An allegory for societal critique, highlighting the disparity between appearances and reality in the upper echelons.

8. Hyperbole

Table 8: Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marlowe’s exaggerated tough-guy persona	Highlights the noir tradition of the larger-than-life detective.
The portrayal of the villains’ ruthlessness	Enhances the sense of danger and stakes within the narrative.

9. Imagery

Table 9: Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
Descriptions of the gloomy Los Angeles streets	Vivid imagery that sets the tone and atmosphere of the film noir genre.
The detailed depiction of Sternwood’s mansion	Creates a gothic ambiance, contributing to the film’s mysterious and foreboding mood.

10. Flashback

Table 10: Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Vivian’s recollection of past events	Provides context and depth to the plot, revealing crucial backstory elements.
Marlowe’s reflections on previous encounters	Helps the audience piece together the puzzle of the narrative.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Philip Marlowe

Table: Philip Marlowe

Literary Device	Explanation
Dialogue	Marlowe’s quick-witted and sardonic exchanges reveal his intelligence and sharpness as a detective.
Irony	His outward cynicism often masks a deeper sense of justice and morality, contrasting his tough exterior.

Vivian Rutledge

Table: Vivian Rutledge

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Vivian’s duality and mysterious behavior symbolize the femme fatale archetype, embodying both allure and danger.
Metaphor	Her interactions with Marlowe serve as a metaphor for the dance between trust and deceit.

Eddie Mars

Table: Eddie Mars

Literary Device	Explanation
Allegory	Represents the corrupting influence of wealth and power, embodying the moral decay within high society.
Foreshadowing	His early actions hint at his deeper involvement in the criminal activities that unfold.

Character Dynamics

Philip Marlowe and Vivian Rutledge

Device	Explanation
Dialogue	Their exchanges are filled with double meanings and subtle flirtations, reflecting the tension and attraction between them.
Symbolism	Their interactions symbolize the constant battle between truth and deception, a recurring theme in film noir.

Philip Marlowe and Eddie Mars

Device	Explanation
Irony	The ironic contrast between Mars’ respectable facade and his nefarious activities highlights the theme of hidden corruption.
Allegory	Their dynamic serves as an allegory for the fight between justice and criminality, with Marlowe representing a flawed but determined seeker of truth.

Thematic Analysis

Justice and Morality

Table: Justice and Morality

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The constant rain symbolizes the murky moral waters Marlowe navigates.
Allegory	The characters’ actions and motivations create an allegory for the complexities of justice in a corrupt society.

Deception and Truth

Table: Deception and Truth

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The labyrinthine plot acts as a metaphor for the elusive nature of truth.
Irony	The frequent use of irony underscores the disparity between characters’ appearances and their true intentions.

Corruption and Power

Table: Corruption and Power

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Eddie Mars’ dual identity symbolizes the pervasive corruption within the social elite.
Allegory	The film’s narrative serves as an allegory for the corrupting influence of power and wealth.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Table: Cinematic Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Lighting and shadows	The use of chiaroscuro lighting enhances the film’s symbolic use of darkness and light to represent good and evil, knowledge and ignorance.
Imagery	Cinematography	The detailed and atmospheric cinematography creates a vivid picture of the noir world, enhancing the descriptive imagery found in Chandler’s writing.
Irony	Music and sound	The contrast between the upbeat jazz soundtrack and the dark, tense scenes adds an ironic layer to the narrative.
Dialogue	Close-up shots	Close-ups during key dialogues intensify the emotional impact and highlight the subtext within the characters’ exchanges.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene: Marlowe Meets Vivian for the First Time

YouTube Link: Marlowe Meets Vivian

Scene Breakdown:

Dialogue: The rapid-fire exchanges between Marlowe and Vivian are filled with wit and innuendo, showcasing their verbal sparring and immediate chemistry.
Lighting: The interplay of light and shadow in this scene underscores the themes of mystery and deception.
Symbolism: Vivian’s elegant yet enigmatic presence symbolizes the allure and danger she represents.

Scene: The Final Confrontation

YouTube Link: Final Confrontation

Scene Breakdown:

Irony: The confrontation’s setting in a seemingly safe environment adds irony as hidden truths are revealed.
Cinematography: The use of tight framing and dramatic angles heightens the tension and emphasizes the characters’ emotions.
Symbolism: The final revelation acts as a symbol of the ultimate uncovering of truth, despite the web of lies that preceded it.

Conclusion

Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz

Test your understanding of the literary devices in The Big Sleep:

Which literary device is primarily used in the dialogue between Marlowe and Vivian?
- A) Metaphor
- B) Symbolism
- C) Irony
- D) Hyperbole
What does the constant rain symbolize in the film?
- A) Joy
- B) Clarity
- C) Moral ambiguity
- D) Innocence
How does Eddie Mars serve as an allegory in the film?
- A) He represents the hardworking middle class.
- B) He symbolizes the corruption within the upper class.
- C) He is a metaphor for justice.
- D) He represents the ideal hero.

Answers:

C) Irony
C) Moral ambiguity
B) He symbolizes the corruption within the upper class.