Philip Marlowe Quotes Analysis

Detective Philip Marlowe from Raymond Chandler’s ‘Red Wind, pivotal to understanding Red Wind not only because he is the main protagonist but because he is the narrator of this work, so grasping the way he conducts himself will create a clear understanding of Red Wind as a whole. In particular, a major concept to grasp is “What’s Philip Marlowe’s moral code? However, comparing moral codes in general is redundant when discussing what’s Philip Marlowe’s moral code is. Instead, it is important when understanding Red Wind’s Philip Marlowe and his moral code to only unearth Marlowe’s code from what he says, and what he doesn’t say, what he does and what he doesn’t do. Philip Marlowe is seen as a brave and chivalrous character not based off of mere

assumptions and hearsay or based off of comparison of moral codes but based solely from what he says, and what he doesn’t say, what he does and what he doesn’t do.

“The car outside let out a roar and when I got onto the sidewalk it was flicking a red smear of tail light around the nearby corner.

I got its license number the way I got my first million.” (Chandler 1) Despite blatant and apparent danger facing Detective Marlowe after Waldo was shot by Tessilore, Marlowe is seen running after Tessilore without any concern for his own safety. This selected quote shows his observation as he runs after the assailant that could have harmed him perhaps fatally but his safety wasn't on his mind. This qualifies as Marlowe’s moral code because evidence to support this claim towards his moral code comes from what he did which in this case is run after Tessilone after shooting Waldo risking his life yet alone his

safety.

The same selected quote shows how Detective Marlowe’s bravery is shown by what he says as well.

“I got its license number the way I got my first million.” His calm and frankly sly and almost passive remark as if he wasn't at risk of potential harm just moments earlier shows the bravery of a man who isn't afraid of the challenges that he embarks upon. His remarks suggest his bravery comes from his line of work and that he is accustomed to all that comes with being a detective. Even when he isn't on duty such as the night of the shooting, when he was off duty simply minding his own business and having a drink he would still be quick to attend to any challenge no matter the risk. When looking at this quote, it is noticeable that marlow is brave because of his almost comedic, enchalant reaction to an almost deadly situation. This shows professionalism in his line of work. This is another example of Marlow's bravery, as opposed to uttering or reacting as most people would fear, and confusion, all he says “I got its license the way I got my first million”. It is unfathomable for someone who does not possess bravery in their moral code to continue to talk about the case and even have time to add a wise crack in between aer literally facing death while on the job. Hence, Marlow’s bravery is strongly evident because of the way he reacts to danger, and examples he utters that suggest calmness and bravery based on experience in his field, and overall braveness that he posses in his

moral code.

He had to react. It was like a knee reflex. His mouth snapped open and both his arms jumped out from his sides and he arched his back just a little. The gun was pointing at my right eye. I sank and kneed him with all my strength, in the groin. His chin came down and I hit it. I hit it as if I was driving the last spike on the first transcontinental railroad. I can still feel it when I flex my knuckles. (Chandler, 3)

This quote is yet another example of Detective Philip Marlowe’s bravery. He is in the pursuit of apprehending a gun from a killer and he bravely acts selflessly to defend Lola from harm. No where in the text does he mention his fear towards being harmed and hows no thought towards acting in self defense. His only thought was protecting Lola and only describes the danger he faced without shows and uttering fear for his life. Philip Marlowe described in detail how his effortless methods at preventing Lola’s harm transpired. In this quote, Marlowe bravery is also shown through his physical ability to fight off the killer.
It is suggested that strengthen is associated with bravery and he uses his strength to fight off danger. Philip Marlowe bravery is associated with his mainilleness saving the damsel in distress. The brave man who risks everything to protect a woman who cannot protect herself. Philip Marlowe is a depiction of the societal expectation on the bravery all men of his time are expected to possess.They should not shy away from fighting for what’s is wrong and fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves without fear or thought in regard to danger or fatality.

Marlow’s chivalry is also a major component of his moral code this is not a claim that is being made by comparing this moral code to other moral codes. Instead, Marlow chivalry is based according to from what he says, and what he doesn’t say, what he does and what he doesn’t do. Marlows line of work as well as the era this story takes place are preliminary findings towards his chivalry moral code.
The girl stood over him, looking down. Then her wide dark horrified eyes came up and fastened on mine. "That buys me," I said. "Anything I have is yours-now and forever."(Chandler, 3) Based on the selected quote Marlowe’s chivalry is shown by his concern and attentiveness for Lola after fighting off the killer without any regard for his safety. As opposed to Marlowe recollecting himself to process his near “brush of death” he only thought is ensuring that Lola is alright physically and mentally after enduring such a traumatic ordeal. He goes as far as reassuring Lola of his commitment to her and her wellbeing by saying "Anything I have is yours-now and forever.”
Marlowe’s chivalry is shown by his actions and noble nature as well. Lola inquired Philip Marlowe’s services to find her beloved pearl necklace from her deceased lover, Stan Phillips. He eventually recovers the necklace only to find out that the pearls were fake. Marlowe owed Lola nothing more than returning the stolen necklace to her. Logically, under such circumstances a detective would alert you of the condition of the recovered item and any new developments that come with it. Philip Marlowe had every reason to tell Lola that the pearls she held so dearly were fake.
However, Philip Marlowe stands by by his moral code and shows his chivalry by omitting the fact that the pearls were fake. He would then dispose of the original The only logical explanation for his carefully set plan of deceiving Lola to believe the pearls were real while disposing of them was to protect Lola and her memories of her deceased lover. He showed chivalry by standing by his word when he said Anything I have is yours-now and forever." Marlowe’s integrity and career could be on the line but because his consistency to protecting Lola held no bounds when it came to his safety or even his career. He protect her not only physically and protected her state of mind by telling a white lie to protect her memories. This is chivalrous trait that many men do not possess.

In short, based solely from what he says, and what he doesn’t say, what he does and what he doesn’t do his moral code is clearly influenced with bravery and Chivalry towards women. Throughout the essay, evidence suggesting these traits as his moral code have become evident. Philip Marlowe is seen risking his life numerous times without no indication of fear and will strictly focus on the his cases and those who are involved in his cases as oppose to himself. He will stop at nothing to deliver justice even if it means putting his life on the line as he has done numerous times in this work. His chivalry towards women in particular Lola became clear. Marlowe had the chivalry not only to defend Lola as she could not defend herself, he also had the chivalry to protect her state of mind from discovering the truth about the pearls by taking the time to dispose of the real pearls while providing her with the precious memories of her lover, Stan Phillips by keeping the necklace. Detective Philip Marlowe moral code is the driving force for the entire work and consistently upheld his moral code based on his effortless fight for justice and his undivided attention to Lola's wellbeing.