The Long Goodbye is a detective novel written by Raymond Chandler and published in 1953. Philip Marlowe, a private detective, meets Terry Lennox, an alcoholic in a club. One day, Terry's wife is murdered, Philip helps Terry leave the country. Shortly after, Terry is found dead in a hotel. Philip starts to look for the truth...
I randomly picked up this novel in the library. After reading the summary, I decided to read it all. I'm quite interested in this kind of topic. This novel is less thick than other novels stored on the bookshelf. I guess that's the potential reason I pick it up. There are some illustrations in this novel. I like those illustrations being added to enable readers to feel the tense moments in the story. For me, words plus some images make me really into this novel.
"Will you help a person who is not your friend but you somehow care so much?" This is the question that I think about after reading this book. In the novel, Terry is merely a stranger in Philip's life. Philip could just say no to Terry's ask avoid another trouble. But he chose to help, which resulted in a series of mess later. Sometimes, strangers come to you and ask for help. No matter what kind of help those strangers ask, even a tiny thing, you plan to refuse them because you don't want to waste time doing something irrelevant to you. But your sympathy doesn't think in that way. Plus, there seems to be an invisible pressure telling you to help. Finally, you say yes, even if it's a troublesome help. "Is that necessary?" That's what I often feel after giving strangers a hand. If it isn't me, there will be others doing this. Thus, I won't be guilty next time if I say no to them. "What if no one except me would like to help at that moment?" Another question emerges. How can this action "helping strangers " have so much uncertainty? I hesitate between yes and no whenever I encounter a situation like this. However, I gradually realize that it's okay not to do what I'm expected to do. Whether I want to help others depends on my mood and consideration. There is no need to be guilty because of saying no. Otherwise, I guess I'll live a blue life forever.
Hi, Heny, this is Joyceline.
ReplyDeleteThe detective story is fond of misery and uncertain solutions, appealing to my curiosity about the tale's end. Furthermore, I have a horrible incident of helping a stranger. On that day, an officer requested me to purchase a cigarette for him, and I bought one with my sympathy, but he got aggressive about why I didn't purchase two of the pages. In the end, I refused his second request and went away. After growing up, compassion is great, but it depends on the situation and time. Thus, I gradually safeguard myself from being heartless. Hence, everyone is selfish for their own profits. Yes, sadly, pushovers constantly get bullied. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. Being an insensitive person seems a kind of distortion. In addition, we should all protect our own respect and authority because this is the actual society—complete with the dark side.
-Joyceline
Hi, Heny.
ReplyDeleteI like detective stories very much, but I watch variety shows or TV series most of the time, and I have seen an adaptation of this story in the show. Therefore, your introduction to this book truly inspires my desire to see the original story.
This time, the question you raised made me think for a long time, and my answer is " depends on the situation." Actually, I have to confess that I would say yes without hesitation if I were in the past. The reason is that I used to be an overly compassionate person, and it seems to me that it would be a heinous sin to refuse; if I refuse, I will be hated by others. It appears that as long as I refuse, I will lose the whole world. But in fact, helping others is a good thing in itself, and I think what makes us fear and hesitate is all about the human heart. We must admit that the sinister human nature sometimes will be worst enough to kill us, so I consider that genuine kindness is not always saying yes, but the ability to judge right and wrong correctly.
I think whether we choose to help a stranger depends on what the problem is. For example, if we are asked to fill out a questionnaire, it might not be necessary. However, if you see someone fall on the street and get injured, commonly speaking, many would be willing to help.
ReplyDeleteHello Heny, this is Christy. Thank you for sharing such powerful question "Will you help a person who is not your friend but you somehow care so much?". I agree with your thought too! However in my personal case, I always helps other even though sometimes I don't really have to, due to the fact that if I don't help a people I will always worry about it even the event has passed already and that thought really makes me feel kind of guilty:)
ReplyDeleteSame as you! I love detective novel very much.
ReplyDeleteIf I need to help strangers, I think I will lend them a hand based on the situation. I can help as much as I can. However, sometimes strangers are evil, as long as you help them, you will get into trouble. So it's also important to examine when a stranger comes and asks for a help!!