The Heart of the Matter

Main Ideas

• An exploration of moral dilemmas and questions of loyalty in complex life circumstances.
• The theme of religious faith and doubt, especially in the context of Catholicism.
• A psychological analysis of the characters, their inner conflicts, and struggles with guilt.
• A depiction of colonial Africa and a critique of British colonialism.
• The theme of love and betrayal, and their impact on the individual and fate.
• An examination of human nature and the capacity for self-sacrifice.