Graham Greene: The Humanistic Fellow Traveller: A Thematic Study Of Greenean Humanism In The Quiet American

The Quiet American, which represents a shift from religious theme to political theme, is Greene's political representative work. Following its publication, Greene was given the title 'anti-American' as he criticized America's foreign policies and predicted American involvement in the Vietnam War. There is nothing coincidental that it becomes popular again after over 50 years especially after the American wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. So studying this book has a great significance as it can provide a means for us to understand more about Greene and his humanistic views.This thesis is composed of three body chapters in addition to an introduction and a conclusion. The introduction gives an account of Greene's life, works as well as a critical review of The Quiet American and the central argument of this thesis. Chapter one is devoted to the discussion of Greene's anti-war sentiment in his speeches and in The Quiet American. In the book, war victims were given considerable sympathy. The American loss in Vietnam had been predicted far before it actually happened. Chapter two focuses on Greene's anti-American imperialism sentiment in the book. Greene was an active humanistic fellow traveller as he travelled to many third world countries to support their independence. The American Third Force was criticized sharply by Greene. Chapter three elaborates Greene's anti-American materialism sentiment. The vast influence of America spreading inexorably around the world strengthened Greene's humanistic belief to write in the name of supporting third world socialism causes. The conclusion reveals Greene's significant humanistic views by analysing his anti-war sentiment, anti-American imperialism and materialism views in The Quiet American and shows Greene's deep concerns for humanity and the living condition of human being.