The Third Man

Summary

The novel "The Third Man" by Graham Greene unfolds in post-war Vienna, divided into four occupation zones. The main character, writer Rollo Martins, arrives in the city at the invitation of his friend Harry Lime, only to discover that Lime recently died in a car accident. However, the circumstances of Lime's death arouse Martins' suspicions, prompting him to conduct his own investigation. In the process, he encounters the mysterious figure of the "third man," who turns out to have witnessed the accident. Gradually, Martins uncovers that Lime was involved in the black market and the trade of diluted penicillin, leading to numerous deaths. The story culminates in a dramatic conclusion, where Martins is forced to make a difficult decision concerning his friend.

Main Ideas

• Exploration of moral ambiguity and immorality in post-war society.
• The theme of betrayal and friendship, how personal relationships can change under pressure.
• Questions about the nature of evil and human conscience, how people justify their actions.
• Depiction of a ruined and divided Vienna as a metaphor for moral and physical chaos.
• Conflict between idealism and cynicism, as different characters embody these opposing worldviews.
• The role of chance and fate in people's lives, how unexpected events can alter the course of events.
• The theme of corruption and moral decay in society, how war and its aftermath affect people.

Historical Context and Significance

Graham Greene's "The Third Man," written in 1949, is a significant work in the spy thriller and detective genres. Set in post-war Vienna, it provides a unique historical context, reflecting the atmosphere of a divided city and the tensions of the Cold War. Greene, a master of psychological portraiture, creates complex and multifaceted characters, making the work not only captivating but also profound in its exploration of human nature. The book had a significant cultural impact, serving as the basis for the film of the same name, directed by Carol Reed in 1949, which received critical and audience acclaim. The film, in turn, became a classic of world cinema, and its famous musical theme by Anton Karas achieved cult status. Thus, Graham Greene's "The Third Man" not only captured the spirit of the time but also left a lasting legacy in literature and film.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Rollo Martins - the main character, a writer of cheap westerns, who comes to Vienna at the invitation of his friend Harry Lime. As the plot unfolds, he confronts the reality of post-war Vienna and uncovers the mystery surrounding Lime. Martins evolves from a naive and trusting individual to a more mature and informed person, aware of moral dilemmas and the complexity of human nature.
• Harry Lime - a mysterious and charismatic friend of Martins, who is revealed to be involved in criminal activities. His character is developed through the memories and stories of other characters, as well as through his own actions, which reveal his amorality and manipulativeness. Lime symbolizes the moral decay and cynicism of post-war society.
• Anna Schmidt - an actress and Harry Lime's lover, who becomes entangled in his criminal dealings. She experiences an internal conflict between her love for Lime and the realization of his true nature. Anna represents a tragic figure, whose loyalty and feelings lead to personal drama.
• Major Calloway - a British officer investigating Lime's activities. He represents the voice of reason and justice, striving to uncover the truth and hold the guilty accountable. Calloway plays a crucial role in exposing Lime's crimes and helps Martins come to terms with the reality of the situation.

Style and Technique

Graham Greene's "The Third Man" is written in the thriller and detective genre, reflected in its tense and mysterious atmosphere. Greene uses concise and precise language to create the atmosphere of post-war Vienna, where the action takes place. The description of the city, its ruined streets and shadows, plays a vital role in setting the dark backdrop for the plot. The narrative structure revolves around an investigation, allowing for the gradual unveiling of characters' secrets and motives. Greene masterfully uses dialogues to develop characters and advance the plot. An important literary device is the use of an unreliable narrator, adding an element of uncertainty and intrigue. The author also employs symbolism, such as the image of Vienna as a divided city, reflecting the internal conflict of the characters. The composition of the novel is carefully crafted, with a gradual build-up of tension and unexpected plot twists, keeping the reader's attention until the very end.

Interesting Facts

• The book was written as a screenplay for a film, rather than as an independent literary work. Graham Greene created it specifically for the film of the same name, which became a cinema classic.
• The novel is set in post-war Vienna, giving the work an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty characteristic of that time.
• The main character, Rollo Martins, is a writer of cheap westerns, adding an ironic touch to his character, who finds himself at the center of espionage intrigues.
• One of the key themes of the book is moral ambiguity, reflecting the complex relationships between characters and their actions.
• The book features the famous scene on the Ferris wheel in Vienna's Prater park, which became one of the most memorable scenes in cinema history.
• Graham Greene used his impressions from his stay in Vienna in 1948 to create a realistic atmosphere of the city, divided among four Allied powers.

Book Review

Graham Greene's "The Third Man" is a gripping thriller that immerses the reader in the atmosphere of post-war Vienna. Critics praise Greene's skill in creating a tense and dark atmosphere that permeates the entire novel. The story of Holly Martins, who arrives in Vienna for the funeral of his friend Harry Lime and becomes entangled in a complex web of intrigue and deception, keeps readers on edge until the last page. Greene expertly combines elements of detective fiction and psychological drama, creating multi-layered characters and complex moral dilemmas. Special attention is given to the character of Harry Lime, who, despite his physical absence for much of the book, remains a central figure influencing all events. Critics also emphasize that "The Third Man" is not only an engaging plot but also a deep exploration of human nature and the moral compromises people are willing to make. Greene, as always, demonstrates his mastery in crafting dialogues and descriptions that bring post-war Vienna to life and make it an integral participant in the events. Overall, "The Third Man" is considered one of Greene's finest works, continuing to captivate readers and critics with its complexity and depth.