The General and His Son-in-Law

The Big Sleep

General Guy Sternwood’s affection for Regan gives his inquiry emotional stakes beyond the money and scandal surrounding the family.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Lonely Father A Lonely Father from "The Big Sleep". A Lonely Father A late family life General Guy Sternwood is paralyzed, isolated, and nearing death.

A Lonely Father from "The Big Sleep". A Lonely Father A late family life General Guy Sternwood is paralyzed, isolated, and nearing death.

A Lonely Father A late family life General Guy Sternwood is paralyzed, isolated, and nearing death. He describes his daughters without Victorian excuses and admits that his parenting began late. A need for companionship Terence Regan had spent hours with the General, sharing stories and brandy. His sudden absence removes one of the few comforts remaining in the General’s life.

Regan’s Departure Regan’s Departure from "The Big Sleep". Regan’s Departure A silent goodbye Terence Regan leaves the household abruptly without speaking to General Guy Sternwood.

Regan’s Departure from "The Big Sleep". Regan’s Departure A silent goodbye Terence Regan leaves the household abruptly without speaking to General Guy Sternwood.

Regan’s Departure A silent goodbye Terence Regan leaves the household abruptly without speaking to General Guy Sternwood. The General feels hurt but does not assume that Regan intended cruelty. A question of character Because the General considers Regan unusually clean and sincere, he cannot easily accept the possibility that Regan exploited the family. His judgment becomes part of the mystery.

The Unasked Request The Unasked Request from "The Big Sleep". The Unasked Request Indirect concern General Guy Sternwood tells Philip Marlowe that he wishes he knew where Terence Regan was and whether he was all right.

The Unasked Request from "The Big Sleep". The Unasked Request Indirect concern General Guy Sternwood tells Philip Marlowe that he wishes he knew where Terence Regan was and whether he was all right.

The Unasked Request Indirect concern General Guy Sternwood tells Philip Marlowe that he wishes he knew where Terence Regan was and whether he was all right. He does not explicitly hire Marlowe to search. Pride and affection The General’s restraint masks a strong attachment. He wants the truth without appearing to demand that Regan return to an unhappy marriage.

A Trust Disputed A Trust Disputed from "The Big Sleep". A Trust Disputed An accusation of betrayal General Guy Sternwood rebukes Philip Marlowe for pursuing the disappearance without explicit instruction.

A Trust Disputed from "The Big Sleep". A Trust Disputed An accusation of betrayal General Guy Sternwood rebukes Philip Marlowe for pursuing the disappearance without explicit instruction.

A Trust Disputed An accusation of betrayal General Guy Sternwood rebukes Philip Marlowe for pursuing the disappearance without explicit instruction. Marlowe explains why he consulted the Missing Persons Bureau. A fuller understanding The discussion reveals the General’s pride and Marlowe’s professional reasoning. The disagreement does not erase their mutual respect.

The Renewed Commission The Renewed Commission from "The Big Sleep". The Renewed Commission A modest request General Guy Sternwood offers Philip Marlowe a thousand dollars to learn directly whether Terence Regan is safe.

The Renewed Commission from "The Big Sleep". The Renewed Commission A modest request General Guy Sternwood offers Philip Marlowe a thousand dollars to learn directly whether Terence Regan is safe.

The Renewed Commission A modest request General Guy Sternwood offers Philip Marlowe a thousand dollars to learn directly whether Terence Regan is safe. He says Regan need not come home. Affection unresolved The General admits that he was sentimental about Regan and asks only to know that he is all right. Marlowe accepts despite knowing that Regan is dead.

the first morning

about one month before the opening

during Marlowe’s first interview

the final morning

the final morning, after the dispute