Teri Stock wrote:
> Isn't one of the differences between hard-boiled and
other mystery that
> hard-boiled recognizes the legal system as at least
flawed and usually
> corrupt and ineffectual? Therefore, in hard-boiled
tails justice cannot
> always be accomplished by simply turning the bad
guys over to the
> authorities. How to achieve justice and the fine
line between revenge and
> justice are often and legitimately explored,
sometimes via the use of a
> sidekick or other third party, sometimes by the
protag's willingness to work
> outside of or even contrary to the law.
We've talked about defining hardboil and noir before and
appropriately enough, I don't recall any resolution. I'd say
you're going in the right direction, but not far
enough.
In my mind, noir fiction, whatever the style, recognizes that
justice awaits each of us. Impatient writers who believe
justice can be achieved within their lifetime, whatever
stylistic flourishes or devices they borrow from noir, are
working outside the genre.
Kerry
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