Pranav Shankla
When reading the first half of the Big Sleep the topic, which seemed to interest, me the most had to be the way Raymond Chandler showed examples of gender stereotyping. For instance, the female characters in the book seem to be very naïve and use their good looks to get things done. An example of this would be one of the leading female characters in the book Carmen Sternwood. She plays the role of the general daughter and is portrayed as a beautiful girl who at the same time can be very flirtatious and giggly. A great example of these characteristics in the book would be her interaction with Philip Marlow, in the opening scene of the book. The dialogue between the two is very simple but Carmen manner is very flirtatious and of a teasing manner as seen by her throwing herself into his arms while her butler approaches the entranceway. Carmen sister, Vivian can be seen in the same way, she too plays the role of a beautiful woman and uses her good looks to add the element of danger and trouble to the plot and of course is very flirtatious with Philip Marlow.
The book also contains male stereotyping too. The male characters seem to be very daring men and use this persona to enhance the motive of acting tough and masculine. A great example of this is the lead character Marlow, in the opening paragraphs he is seen saving Carmen and committed to finding the truth about the murders and whatever cost even if it compromise the law because he works for himself and nobody else.