The novel "Double Indemnity" by James Cain portray film noir in many different ways. The story is narrated by character Walter Huff, the anti-hero insurance salesman who is persuade by money and lust to commit murder along with insurance fraud. As stated in the article "Primary Characteristics and Conventions of Film Noir: Themes and Styles" from the website Filmsite,"Narrative are frequently complex and convoluted, typically told with flashbacks (or series of flashbacks), and/or reflective voice-over narration. Huff style of narration was a confession to Keyes that he was the one whom had murder Mr. Nirdlinger, telling exactly how everything took place. Femme fatale is demonstrated in the novel as well. According to "Primary Characteristics and Conventions of Film Noir" Themes and Styles" a femme fatale is "mysterious, duplicitous, double-crossing, gorgeous, unloving, predatory tough-sweet, unreliable, irresponsible, manipulative and desperate women." Phyllis Nirdinger, Mr. Nirdinger wife fit the definition of femme fatale quite well. She use her beauty and and body to get close to Huff, to gain trust and make him fall for her.
Referring to the novel "Double Indemnity" by James Cain, Phyllis was better prepared for Huff on there second encounter. "She didn't have on pajamas this time, She had on a white sailor suit, with a blouse that pulled tight over her hips, and white shoes and stockings. I wasn't the only one that knew about that shape. She knew about it herself, plenty"(10). Phyllis was showing off her body to gain the attention she wanted from Huff, to seduce him so that it would be easier for her talk about the accidental insurance, and to convince him to keep it secret from her husband. Huff falls for her enticement, and catches on to her plot on killing her husband agreeing to help her, Huff is a prime example of a male protagonist. "Primary Characteristics and Conventions of Film Noir: Themes and Styles"Points out that "Usually, the male protagonist in film noir has to inevitably choose (or have the fateful choice made for him) between the women - and invariably he picks the femme fatale who destructively goads him into committing murder or some other crime of passion". Phyllis used Huff to her on advantage, he is a weak for her and hard up for money and she used him to kill her husband.
I think you did a good job in answering the question for this second blog entry because it was not just a summary of the book but an understandable answer of why this novel would fit into the definition of film noir. You're introduction sentence is good and on point. You give the reader an idea of what he or she is about to read. Throughout the rest of your response you back up your introduction sentence by giving examples from the book. You also did a great job in citing quotes from the worksheets handed out in class.
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