The Heart of the Matter
Historical Context and Significance
Graham Greene's novel «The Heart of the Matter», published in 1948, is considered one of the author's most important works and a classic of twentieth-century English literature. The story takes place in West Africa during World War II and explores themes of moral choice, faith, and betrayal. Greene masterfully combines elements of thriller and psychological drama to create a profound portrait of the main character, Scobie, who faces inner conflicts and moral dilemmas. The novel has been praised for its honest and complex depiction of human nature and the moral questions people face. Its cultural impact lies in its ability to address universal themes that remain relevant today, as well as its influence on subsequent generations of writers who explore moral and ethical issues in their works. «The Heart of the Matter» also made a significant contribution to the development of the psychological novel, cementing Graham Greene's reputation as one of the leading writers of his time.
