The Quiet American

Main Ideas

• Conflict between idealism and realism: the book explores the clash between the idealistic views of the American character Pyle and the more cynical and realistic worldview of the British journalist Fowler.
• Colonialism and its consequences: the novel addresses the theme of Western intervention in other countries, particularly in the context of Vietnam, and shows how such interference can lead to unpredictable and destructive outcomes.
• Moral ambiguity: the characters often face moral dilemmas, and the author highlights the complexity of making ethical decisions in times of war and political instability.
• Love triangle: the personal relationships between Fowler, Pyle, and the Vietnamese woman Phuong serve as a metaphor for broader political and cultural conflicts.
• Critique of American foreign policy: through the character of Pyle, Graham Greene expresses criticism of the naive and dangerous policies of the United States towards other countries, especially in the context of the Cold War.