Meaning: This quote is a thought-provoking reflection on the impact of two iconic American crime fiction writers, Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, on the genre of detective fiction. The quote is attributed to James Ellroy, a prominent contemporary crime writer known for his gritty and hard-boiled style. In order to understand Ellroy's statement, it is important to delve into the works and backgrounds of Hammett and Chandler, as well as the evolution of detective fiction as a genre.

Dashiell Hammett, considered one of the founding fathers of hard-boiled detective fiction, is best known for creating the iconic character Sam Spade in his novel "The Maltese Falcon" and the Continental Op in his short stories. Hammett's writing style is characterized by its lean prose, realistic dialogue, and morally ambiguous protagonists. His stories often depicted a world of corruption, violence, and moral ambiguity, reflecting the harsh realities of the early 20th-century urban America. In his works, Hammett portrayed crime as a product of societal and institutional failings, and his characters navigated through a world where the line between law and lawlessness was often blurred.

Raymond Chandler, on the other hand, is renowned for his creation of the character Philip Marlowe, a wisecracking and hard-boiled private detective who operates in the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles. Chandler's writing style was marked by its vivid descriptions, intricate plots, and a strong sense of place. His novels, including "The Big Sleep" and "Farewell, My Lovely," are celebrated for their atmospheric portrayal of the seedy side of the city and the moral ambiguity of its inhabitants. Chandler's work also emphasized the idea of a flawed hero navigating a corrupt and morally bankrupt world, where justice is often elusive and morality is relative.

James Ellroy's quote about Hammett and Chandler sheds light on the impact of their contributions to the crime fiction genre. By stating that Hammett "gave murder back to the people who really committed it," Ellroy seems to be acknowledging Hammett's focus on the gritty realities of crime and its perpetrators. Hammett's portrayal of crime as a product of societal corruption and the actions of individuals reflects a shift from the traditional portrayal of crime fiction, which often depicted crime as the work of sinister masterminds or external forces. In this sense, Hammett's work humanized crime and presented it as a reflection of the flawed human condition, rather than the work of larger-than-life villains.

Chandler, on the other hand, continued this exploration of the human element in crime fiction, with his emphasis on the moral ambiguity of his protagonist and the world they inhabited. Marlowe's investigations often led him into the dark underbelly of society, where he encountered characters with complex motivations and desires. Chandler's portrayal of crime and its perpetrators as part of a morally complex world further contributed to the humanization of crime in detective fiction.

In conclusion, James Ellroy's quote about Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler highlights the transformative impact of these two writers on the crime fiction genre. Their emphasis on the human element in crime, the morally ambiguous nature of their protagonists, and their portrayal of crime as a reflection of societal failings all contributed to a shift in the genre's focus. By "giving murder back to the people who really committed it," Hammett and Chandler brought a new level of realism and complexity to detective fiction, forever shaping its evolution and leaving an indelible mark on the genre.