Meaning: This evocative quote by Raymond Chandler captures a sense of foreboding and mystery that is characteristic of his iconic noir fiction. Raymond Chandler was an American-British novelist and screenwriter best known for his hardboiled detective stories, particularly those featuring the character Philip Marlowe. He was a master of the crime genre, and his writing often depicted the seedy underbelly of urban life in mid-20th century America.

"The streets were dark with something more than night" is a perfect example of Chandler's ability to create a vivid and atmospheric setting. In this quote, he goes beyond simply describing the physical darkness of the streets at night and suggests that there is something else lurking in the shadows, something sinister and mysterious. This additional layer of darkness hints at the moral and ethical ambiguity that often characterizes Chandler's work, as well as the complex, morally compromised characters that populate his stories.

Chandler's writing style is notable for its gritty realism and hard-edged cynicism. His prose is spare and economical, yet rich with evocative imagery and sharp dialogue. He was a master of using the setting to create mood and atmosphere, and his descriptions of the city streets at night are particularly evocative. In "The streets were dark with something more than night," Chandler creates a sense of unease and tension that immediately draws the reader into the world of his stories.

Chandler's influence on the crime fiction genre cannot be overstated. His writing helped to redefine and elevate the detective novel, moving it away from the puzzle-like structure of traditional whodunits and towards a more character-driven, morally complex form of storytelling. His creation, Philip Marlowe, became the archetype of the hardboiled private detective, and his cynical, world-weary outlook has been emulated and parodied in countless works of fiction across various media.

In addition to his impact on the genre, Chandler's writing style has also left an indelible mark on the broader literary landscape. His use of metaphor and simile, his ear for dialogue, and his ability to create vivid, immersive settings have influenced generations of writers across a range of genres. His work has been studied and celebrated by scholars and fans alike, and his novels continue to be widely read and admired to this day.

"The streets were dark with something more than night" is a perfect encapsulation of Raymond Chandler's unique blend of hardboiled crime fiction and literary craftsmanship. It captures the essence of his writing style and the dark, brooding atmosphere that pervades his work. It is a testament to Chandler's skill as a writer and his ability to create compelling, immersive stories that resonate with readers across generations.