Fatalism and Inevitability
A key theme is the sense of fatalism and inevitability that permeates the story. From the opening line "They threw me off the hay truck about noon," the narrative conveys a feeling that the tragic events are preordained and inescapable. The characters' attempts to circumvent consequences only lead them deeper into a web of violence and despair, reflecting the deterministic philosophy of naturalism.

Hardboiled Stylec
Cain's terse, unsentimental prose exemplifies the hardboiled style that became a hallmark of crime fiction. The novel's lean, unadorned language strips away romanticism and sentimentality, presenting the brutal realities of the criminal underworld in stark detail. This stylistic approach influenced many later crime writers and contributed to the development of film noir.

In summary, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" stands as a landmark of 20th century American literature, encapsulating the gritty naturalism, fatalistic themes, and hardboiled style that defined an iconic era of crime fiction.

At the time of its publication, the novel was considered quite scandalous due to its explicit sexual content and brutal violence. This led to censorship in some regions, which only heightened its notoriety and appeal.

Despite initial shock and controversy, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" has endured as a significant work in American literature. It is studied in academic settings for its style, themes, and contribution to the noir genre.

Overall, the general perception of "The Postman Always Rings Twice" is that of a pioneering and influential work that remains a powerful and provocative read, appreciated both for its literary merits and its historical significance in the evolution of crime fiction.