I've been thinking quite a bit lately about the elements that
go into making a good hardboiled crime novel, especially of
the Gold Medal era. I think that if a writer used the list as
formula to create a novel it would probably end up sounding
just that--formulaic. All elements have to flow naturally
from the narrative. I don't think they are all necessary for
a good novel, but I think the more it has of these elements
the more enjoyable it is. At least for me as a reader.
The first might seem obvious, but I've added it in light of
recent arguments that certain works outside the genre can be
considered hardboiled or noir, although I did specify "crime
novel". I'm sure others would go so far as to say it has to
be murder.
1. A crime (can precede the timeline of the narrative) 2.
Tough wise-cracking dialogue 3. An unsympathetic protagonist
(with whom you none-the-less identify) 4. A femme fatale 5.
Sexual tension 6. A tough brutal thug (the nemesis of the
main character) 7. Ironic plot twists 8. A double-cross 9. A
sense though out that all the characters are doomed
I might have over-looked some essential elements and I'm sure
others will point them out. But I think this is a good
starting point.
Jeff
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