"The Big Sleep" is about a private detective that is trying to solve a blackmailing case for a dying millionaire. The detective, Philip Marlowe, finds that the case not only involves blackmail, but also murder. This book was Raymond Chandler's first novel and it explores the oppressive and corrupt society of 1930's America. Chandler uses Philip Marlowe as the immoral yet heroic protagonist. The corruption of 1930's society is present in the government of Los …showed first 75 words of 1100 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1100 total…the hero of The Big Sleep. "The Big Sleep" emphasizes the problems with society in 1930's Los Angeles. The book tells a story about blackmail, deceit, and murder. Chandler shows the reader how the world is corrupt throughout the levels of society. His main character Marlowe is struggling to be a hero in such an immoral world. Marlowe is not a perfect knight, but he fights for understanding by his own set of unorthodox morals.