The obvious detective in the novel is Barton Keyes. He was mentioned early in the novel and right away we should expect that he has a big role in the event that will come. The "Detective who is able to solve crime or uncover the truth" describes him perfectly. Automatically we are introduced to Keyes as an uptight man very deep into his work. Walter describes his personality clearly in the passage about him looking in the calendar and checking if it was this years calendar or last and so on. With that, we know he wont let anyone slide with setting up lies on getting insurance benefits, "He's a wolf on a phony claim" Walter says. Walter knew very well of this and made sure to cover his tracks so Keyes wouldn't suspect him.
When thinking about a detective I think about a tan suited man with suspenders and a hat. The film put a great physical image in my head for Keyes. He was witty and especially the way he spoke was how I imagined; quick and to the point. Keyes is a "hard-boiled" detective I think because there isn't much compassion in his life as in a loving wife and family so he puts everything into his work and has no time for other nonsense. It's easy to read through the protagonists' perspective (Walter) and be on his side because we're sort of in his head and we become closer to his character, but hard to cheer against him when Keyes is getting closer and closer to finding out the truth of the whole crime.
I found Keyes as the crime solver too. He is very detail oriented. Once focused on something he fine combs thru until he puts all pieces in perspective. Just as he did at the end of the novel “Double Indemnity” Mr. Keyes goes to the extent to give Walter and Phyllis time to run. Even though they all knew they had reached the end. As where in the movie Mr. Keyes seems to be sympathetic with the criminal, Walter, who is before him wounded. Mr. Keyes does not leave Walter’s side as he instructs to get help for the wounded felon.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely on the detective, at first I couldn’t decide between Keyes and Sachetti but with Keyes being involved throughout the whole novel really sealed the deal as him being the detective. I liked how you used your words in describing Keyes and how you saw him in your head. I also agree with you on how I felt towards Walter, how kind of being on his side and in a way being able to see his side. The whole novel we were reading it from his perspective and almost as we were in his position what would we do. Good job!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so confused now .... I wrote about Sachetti being the detective but now that I see everyone but me thinks Keyes is the detective I'm doubting myself. I did think Keyes was the detective role through out the whole book until the last chapter when Keyes tells Walter that when Mrs.Nirdlinger died Sachetti made himself a one man detective . Once I read that I was shocked but that made me think Sachetti was really the detective the whole time. I know Sachetti wasn't really mentioned in the book but I for like he was doing some side investigation of murders and Phyllis of his own.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely should not doubt yourself! I read in other posts that some people thought of Sachetti and even other characters that could have been the detective. So I believe that there are maybe multiple characters that could take on that role, big or small. I only chose keyes because he was the obvious and easier choice for me to make more points upon. I actually really like that you thought outside the box and gave it a harder thought to choose another character. Now that you have mentioned it, I'm starting to see all your points about Sachetti also. Thanks!
DeleteI also agree on Keys being the hard-boiled detective he was quite impressive with his heartless attitude through out his whole investigation he stayed on top of things as he knew this would not end well perhaps as he would say "the last stop is the cemetery"..
ReplyDeleteYou had some good points about Keys. I agree with you in that Keys wears the detective hat, but I also think Sachetti wears the hat too. I think Sachetti did most, if not all, the leg work and Keys together for us. But still Keys was the definitely the lead detective in this story.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about siding with Walter, I like how you put it together, that we relate to the Walter because we are in his head.