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James M. Cain
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โก Free 3min Summary
The Postman Always Rings Twice - Summary
Set in Depression-era California, this noir masterpiece tells the dark tale of Frank Chambers, a drifter who becomes entangled in a dangerous affair with Cora Papadakis, the young wife of a diner owner. Their passionate relationship leads them down a treacherous path of murder and betrayal as they plot to kill Cora's husband. The story explores the destructive nature of desire and the inevitable consequences of their actions, culminating in a twist of fate that proves justice arrives in unexpected ways.
Key Themes
Fatal Attraction and Destructive Desire
The novel delves deep into how uncontrollable passion can override moral judgment, leading seemingly ordinary people to commit extraordinary acts of evil. The relationship between Frank and Cora exemplifies how sexual desire can become a catalyst for violence and destruction.
Justice and Karma
Through its intricate plot, the story demonstrates that wrongdoing never goes unpunished, even if not through conventional means. The title itself is a metaphor for how justice, like a persistent postman, always delivers its due, sometimes requiring multiple attempts.
American Dream Gone Wrong
The narrative presents a dark critique of the American Dream, showing how the pursuit of happiness and freedom can become corrupted by greed and lust, leading to moral degradation and ultimately, self-destruction.
FAQ's
The title is metaphorical, suggesting that justice, like a postman, will keep trying until its message is delivered. In the story, the protagonist escapes justice once but ultimately faces his fate in an unexpected way.
The book's explicit treatment of sexuality, violence, and adultery was considered shocking for 1934. It was banned in Boston and several other cities due to its raw portrayal of criminal behavior and erotic content.
The novel had a profound impact on the noir genre and influenced numerous writers, most notably Albert Camus, who used it as a model for "The Stranger." It helped establish the template for hardboiled crime fiction and femme fatale characters in literature.
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