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About this quote

What does it mean?
Chandler mocks TV detectives for never taking off their hats, highlighting unrealistic portrayals.
In plain terms
You can spot a TV detective because they always wear their hats.
What can you take from it?
Media often relies on visible, unrealistic stereotypes.

Where it applies

  • tv criticism
  • media analysis
  • writing satire

Putting it to work

  • spot cliches
  • criticize media

Questions to consider

  • Why do media use cliches?
  • How do conventions affect realism?

Another view

It generalizes all TV shows without nuance.

More from Raymond Chandler

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  3. She opened her mouth like a firebucket and laughed. That terminated my interest in her. I couldn't hear the laugh but the hole in her face when she unzippered …

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