Reed Andrus (randrus@home.com)
Wed, 24 Nov 1999 09:31:36 -0700
Gerald So wrote:
> Brian Lawrence asked whether Spenser would be
considered hardboiled.
> I think the definition of hardboiled has to change
slightly along with
> changing detectives.
While I'm in general agreement with Jim Doherty's concise
definition, the statement above also rings true, particularly
with Spenser who has such a large and established body of
work that changes can be easily identified.
Using Jim's definition, Spenser is occasionally displays a
hardboiled attitude, but Parker doesn't allow him to sustain
it throughout an entire book. So the key to Jim's definition
(in my opinion) is whether or not the attitude and
colloquialism must be sustainable, or just evident in certain
situation.
Gerald continues:
> On the other hand, if a detective keeps up the
tough-as-nails,
> heart-of-stone attitude too long, he labels himself
an anachronism.
> Amos Walker is a good example of this, but more on
him next month.
Using the sustainability criteria, I would suggest that
Connelly's Harry Bosch qualifies, as does Matt Scudder,
perhaps Elvis Cole (at least in the most recent story), and
maybe Patrick Kenzie (although Lehane has presented him as
seriously conflicted in the situational ethics department).
James Hall's Thorn, Andrew Vacchs' Burke, John Wessel's
Harding, John Lutz's Alo Nudger (and the Florida counterpart
whose name I can't remember) -- how do they fit the
criteria?
Best regards,
... Reed
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