Tension In Graham Greene's The Quiet American

The Quiet American is a novel that explores social and political relationships between Europe and America in Indochina War through connections among the three main characters: Fowler, Pyle, and Phuong. Graham Greene, an author of the book, uses the attitudes and personalities of Pyle and Fowler to create tension to symbolize the greater tension in the political conflicts over Vietnam at the time. Through Pyle and Fowler’s different political views but a common desire for Phuong, The Quiet American reflects an overall atmosphere in Vietnam. In 1950s, many countries and areas were formerly under European political control. United States entered into the Indochina War to prevent Vietnam becomes a communist country like a Soviet Union. Soldiers …show more content…
A psychological warfare between Pyle and Fowler to win Phuong’s heart is similar to the great tension between Europe and America to control over Vietnam. In Fowler’s relationship with Phuong, Phuong is treated like a prostitute. “I don’t care that for her interests. You can have her interests. I only want her body. I want her in bed with me. I’d rather ruin her and sleep with her than, than . . . look after her damned interests.” (127) He just wants someone to be with him in bed and fulfills his loneliness by Phuong. However, when Pyle enters into Fowler’s life, everything changes as America participates in the war. Considering between those two men, Phuong finally makes a decision by measuring whether their financial condition is favorable or not. Phuong tries to decide between them with an ideological reason, not a sentiment. Eventually, she abandons Fowler to live with Pyle. Fowler who symbolizes England plays a complicated role between international powers shows that once a major colonial power yields their position to the United States since World War II. England concerns with French colonialism, but they are reluctant to directly involved in the