Every human being must have a set of moral codes. These morals are usually set out by the people and environments that one finds themselves surrounded by. Easy Rawlins, the main protagonist in The Little Yellow Dog by Walter Mosely, is exposed to crime at an early age, and is surrounded by it for most of his life. On the other hand, Philip Marlowe, the main protagonist in The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler, grows up in a peaceful and pleasant environment. His first experiences with crime occur when he becomes a private investigator. As adults, both of these men find themselves involved in criminal activity. In their attempts to seek the true justice that they deserve, they are forced to defy the law. In doing so, they experience many physical challenges, including gang beatings and police intimidation. They also experience numerous mental challenges, including lying to the police, deceiving their own families, and the ability to cope with all the chaos that is surrounding them. In addition to being challenged physically and mentally, they are also socially challenged: Marlowe and Rawlins both feel that they are looked down upon due to their occupations.

As private investigators, Marlowe and Rawlins both feel that society doesn't give them the credit and respect that they deserve. Despite this, both of these men perform their duties with pride and devotion. Easy Rawlins becomes tired of the disrespect that is cast on him by much of society. At one point in the police station, one of the officers glances at Easy and "there was a start of recognition in his eyes; recognition that was quickly replaced by suspicion." (Mosley 28). As extremely biased and prejudiced people, the police officers quickly turn their suspicion towards Easy. Being relentlessly pushed, Easy even considers giving up his search entirely. "A chance at a new life....I would be willing to gamble everything for that chance." (Mosely 92). At this point, the only factor that is keeping Easy from losing entire hope is his ruthless pursuit of justice. In Philip Marlowe's case, as he says to one of his friends, "I'm a licensed private investigator and I have been for quite a while. I'm a lone wolf, unmarried, getting middle-aged, and not rich. I like liquor and women and chess and a few other things. The cops don't like me too well, but I know a couple I get along with. I'm a native son, born in Santa Rosa, both parents dead, no brothers or sisters, and when I get knocked off in a back alley sometime, if it happens, as it could to anyone in my business...nobody will feel that the bottom has dropped out his or her life." (Chandler 92). As Marlowe is reviewing the significance of his life, he realizes where he stands as a human being, and remains indifferent to the fact that he will be easily forgotten if he is killed. Instead of Marlowe caring about the external regards he could receive from people, he cares about the internal recognition he receives from serving his community. Marlowe and Rawlins both humbly accept the societal abuse forced on them, and candidly carry on.

Marlowe and Rawlins both experience immense physical challenges. At one point in The Little Yellow Dog, Rawlins finds himself

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Approximate Word count = 1377
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)