The End of the Affair

Summary

The novel "The End of the Affair" by Graham Greene explores the complex relationship between writer Maurice Bendrix and Sarah Miles, the wife of his friend Henry. Set in London during and after World War II, the story begins with Maurice and Sarah embarking on an affair that abruptly ends when Sarah decides to break it off. Obsessed with understanding the reasons for the breakup, Maurice starts to follow Sarah and hires a detective. In the process, he discovers that Sarah made a vow to God to end their affair if Maurice survived a bombing. Gradually, Maurice comes to realize the depth of Sarah's faith and her inner turmoil. The novel delves into themes of love, faith, jealousy, and redemption, illustrating how the characters' personal experiences intertwine with their spiritual quests. In the end, Maurice reaches an understanding and acceptance of Sarah's decisions, leading to his own spiritual awakening.

Main Ideas

• Exploration of the themes of love and hate, their interconnection and transformation.
• Examination of questions of faith and religion, and their impact on personal relationships.
• Study of human nature and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
• Theme of betrayal and forgiveness, both in personal and spiritual aspects.
• The influence of war and external circumstances on the inner world and destinies of people.
• Psychological depth of the characters and their internal conflicts.

Historical Context and Significance

Graham Greene's novel "The End of the Affair," published in 1951, is one of the author's most significant works exploring themes of love, faith, and betrayal. Set in London during and after World War II, it provides a historical context reflecting post-war sentiments and moral dilemmas. Greene, known for his skill in creating psychologically complex characters, uses autobiographical elements to explore personal and spiritual crises. The novel's influence on culture is evident in its adaptations, including a successful 1999 film, and its ability to provoke deep reflections on the nature of human relationships and faith. "The End of the Affair" remains relevant due to its universal themes and masterful storytelling, making it an important part of 20th-century literary heritage.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Maurice Bendrix - the main character and narrator, a writer who experiences complex feelings towards his former lover Sarah Miles. His development is tied to his struggle between jealousy, hatred, and love, as well as his search for meaning and faith.
• Sarah Miles - Maurice's lover, wife of Henry Miles. Her development involves an internal struggle between her love for Maurice and the religious convictions she acquires throughout the novel.
• Henry Miles - Sarah's husband, a civil servant. His character develops through his relationships with Sarah and Maurice, portraying him as a man unaware of his wife's infidelity and trying to maintain their marriage.
• Richard Smythe - a private detective hired by Maurice to follow Sarah. His character adds an element of tension and reveals certain aspects of Sarah's life.
• Parkis - Smythe's assistant, who also participates in the surveillance of Sarah. His role in the plot is secondary, but he helps uncover some details about Sarah.

Style and Technique

Graham Greene's novel "The End of the Affair" is characterized by deep psychological insight and complex moral issues. Greene's style in this book is marked by conciseness and precision, allowing the author to focus on the characters' inner experiences and spiritual quests. The language of the work is rich with symbolism and metaphors, adding layers and depth to the narrative. Greene employs the technique of retrospection to reveal the backstory of the main characters' relationships, creating a gradual unfolding of the plot. The structure of the novel is nonlinear, enabling the author to explore themes of love, faith, and betrayal from different perspectives. An important role in the work is played by the internal monologue, which helps convey the characters' complex emotional states. Greene masterfully creates an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, keeping the reader engaged until the very end.

Interesting Facts

• The novel is partially based on the author's personal experiences, having himself gone through a tumultuous affair with a married woman, which is reflected in the depth and realism of the characters' emotions and feelings.
• The book explores complex themes of love, faith, and jealousy, making it multilayered and profound, prompting readers to engage in numerous reflections and interpretations.
• One of the key themes of the novel is religion and its influence on the lives and actions of the characters, a common trait in many of the author's works, who himself underwent a conversion to Catholicism.
• The novel has been adapted into several films, including a well-known 1999 adaptation starring Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore, demonstrating its enduring popularity and relevance.
• The narrative structure includes elements of diary entries and retrospective memories, giving the novel a special intimacy and allowing a deeper understanding of the characters' inner worlds.

Book Review

Graham Greene's novel "The End of the Affair" has been highly praised by critics for its deep psychological portrayal of characters and complex exploration of themes of love, faith, and betrayal. The book tells the story of the complicated relationship between writer Maurice Bendrix and Sarah Miles, the wife of his friend. Greene masterfully conveys the characters' inner struggles, their battles with their own feelings and moral dilemmas. Critics note that the author successfully creates a tense and emotionally charged atmosphere, where personal dramas intertwine with philosophical reflections on the nature of love and faith. Special attention is given to Greene's style, which combines conciseness and expressiveness, as well as his ability to create multilayered and ambiguous images. The novel is also considered autobiographical, adding an extra layer of depth and sincerity. Overall, "The End of the Affair" is regarded as one of Greene's finest works, showcasing his skill in crafting complex and memorable stories.