Professor Bingo's Snuff
The narrative follows Joe Pettigrew, a disillusioned man in his fifties, who grapples with the reality of his failing marriage to Gladys and the presence of her lover, Porter Green, in their home. The story opens with Joe's mundane morning routine, interrupted by the loud music and laughter of Gladys and Porter, highlighting his isolation and dissatisfaction. Joe encounters Professor Augustus Bingo, a peculiar man who offers him a mysterious substance he claims is not what it seems. This substance, which Joe later learns is a form of snuff, grants him temporary invisibility. As he navigates his newfound ability, he witnesses the intimate relationship between Gladys and Porter, leading to feelings of jealousy and resentment. Tension escalates when Joe discovers that Porter has been physically abusive towards Gladys. In a moment of rage and desperation, Joe confronts Porter, resulting in a violent altercation that ends with Joe shooting Porter after he has already killed Gladys. The aftermath of the incident sees Joe attempting to cover up the crime, but his actions draw the attention of the police. Detectives Waldman and Rehder investigate the scene, piecing together the events leading to the deaths. They suspect Joe, but he maintains his innocence, claiming he was unaware of the violence until it was too late. The detectives uncover evidence that suggests Joe could have escaped through a furnace vent, leading to further suspicion. As the investigation unfolds, Joe grapples with his guilt and the implications of his actions. The narrative explores themes of betrayal, the complexity of human relationships, and the consequences of choices made in moments of emotional turmoil. Ultimately, Joe's fate hangs in the balance as the detectives close in on the truth, and the enigmatic Professor Bingo looms in the background, representing the unpredictable nature of fate and consequence. The story culminates in a tense confrontation between Joe and the detectives, where the truth of the events is revealed, leaving Joe to confront the reality of his actions and the life he has led. The narrative concludes with a sense of ambiguity, as Joe's fate remains uncertain, reflecting the moral complexities of his choices and the impact of his relationships.
By Raymond Chandler · First published 1939 · Genre: Mystery, Noir, Thriller · 20,595 words
First lines
At ten o'clock in the morning already the dance music. Loud. Boom, boom. Boom, boom, boom. The tone control way down in the bass. It almost made the floor vibrate. Behind the purring of the electric razor which Joe Pettigrew was running up and down his face it vibrated in the floors and walls. He seemed to feel it with his toes. It seemed to run up his legs. The neighbors must love it.
Already at ten o'clock in the morning the ice cubes in the glass, the flushed cheek, the slightly glazed eye, the silly smile, the loud laughter about nothing at all.
What this Textopian page supports
Professor Bingo's Snuff is listed on Textopian as a novel by Raymond Chandler, dated 1939 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Raymond Chandler
- Date: 1939 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Noir, Thriller, Crime Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 20,595 words
- Structure: 1 section, 381 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Professor Bingo's Snuff by Raymond Chandler
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Professor Bingo's Snuff?
- How does this novel by Raymond Chandler fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Mystery — The plot revolves around solving a crime or uncovering secrets, typical of Chandler's work.
- Noir — The themes often include moral ambiguity, crime, and a dark atmosphere, characteristic of noir fiction.
- Thriller — The narrative likely includes suspenseful elements and tension, engaging the reader in a fast-paced storyline.
- Crime Fiction — The story likely involves criminal activities and their consequences, a common focus in Chandler's writing.
Tags
mystery · detective · noir · crime · thriller · suspense · Raymond Chandler · fiction · literature · short story · humor · satire