--- In rara-avis-l@yahoogroups.com, "Dick Lochte" <dlochte@...> wrote:
>
> Patrick mentioned that Paul Newman did not resemble the Lew Archer of the
> novels. But does Macdonald ever tell us what Archer looked like? Does
> Chandler gives us much of a description of Marlowe, except for his height
> (which is where Bogart falls short -- sorry)? Describing the physical
> aspects of your hero isn't easy to do when you're writing first-person
> narration. Though Hammett managed to put the image of the Op in our minds.
> And MacDonald gave us a complete picture of Travis McGee, using McGee's
> often annoying self-referencing. I'm wondering if it might not be better to
> let the reader fill in the blanks. Any opinions?
>
I agree, it's better to let the reader imagine what the character looks like. One PI who did describe himself in detail was Shell Scott. I don't recall Chandler physically describing Marlowe in any detail. As you say, Hammett does say something about the Op. suggesting he's out of shape and certainly not a Grecian beauty, but I don't have a clear image of him. In fact, I feel no need to visualize the Op. His voice is sufficient.
Best,
mrt
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