Farewell, My Lovely

Historical Context and Significance

Raymond Chandler’s novel «Farewell, My Lovely», published in 1940, is one of the key works in the noir detective genre. The book continues the series about private detective Philip Marlowe, who became an archetypal figure for many subsequent detective stories. Chandler masterfully uses the atmosphere of 1930s Los Angeles, creating a dark and mysterious world filled with corruption and violence. His writing style, rich in metaphors and witty dialogue, had a significant impact on the development of the genre and inspired many writers and filmmakers. «Farewell, My Lovely» also played an important role in popularizing the image of the private detective as a cynical yet morally steadfast hero, which became a hallmark of American noir.