Double Indemnity (Novel) Literary Elements

Crime Fiction, Thriller

Hollywood, in the halcyon heydays of the film industry

The point of view is that of Walter Huff, insurance agent.

The tone is dark and suspenseful.

Walter is the protagonist of the novel. Phyllis Nirdlinger is the antagonist, firstly towards her husband and subsequently to Walter.

There is conflict within Walter himself; he knows that he should not help Phyllis murder her husband for insurance money, and even considers leaving the house part way through the conversation with her about it, but he also finds her attractive and captivating, and wants to be involved in pulling off the "perfect murder."

Phyllis and Walter both commit suicide, realizing that their lives of freedom are over.

Walter's boss at the insurance company makes some disturbing discoveries about Phyllis Nirdlinger, one being that she and Walter are friends, and possibly more than friends. This foreshadows his conclusion that they have a prior relationship and that Walter is involved in the murder.

Phyllis is termed a femme fatale. This understates her depravity and the depths of her evil; she has most likely murdered the first Mrs Nirdlinger, has murdered her husband, and is attempting to murder Huff.

There are allusions to the Black Widow, a killer of the day, who lured men into her trap, married them, and killed them.

The author paints images for the reader that bring the glamor of old Hollywood live, recreating the buzz of excitement in the air, so that we are able to imagine ourselves there.

Walter believes that he has escaped punishment by doing a deal to bring Phyllis to justice, only to board the boat to Mexico and find out that Phyllis has been offered the same deal for giving him up too.

There is a parallel between Walter's feelings of remorse and his growing feelings of love for Mr Nirdlinger's daughter

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