Graham Greene Criticism
Graham Greene (1904–1991) is a central figure in twentieth-century English literature, renowned for his compelling narratives that seamlessly blend thrilling plotlines with profound moral and political inquiry. Greene's work, encompassing novels, short stories, plays, and essays, reflects a deep engagement with the complexities of sin and redemption, often through the lens of his Roman Catholic faith. His "Catholic" novels like Brighton Rock, The Power and the Glory, and The End of the Affair delve into themes of sin, grace, and salvation, where characters like Pinkie and the "whiskey priest" confront their spiritual struggles, as examined by Bruce Bawer.
Greene's politically charged works, including The Quiet American and A Burnt-Out Case, reflect his acute awareness of geopolitical tensions and moral ambiguity, particularly during the Cold War. The Comedians and The Human Factor exemplify his exploration of these themes, as discussed by Gary P. Storhoff. Critics like David Pryce-Jones have debated his political leanings, yet the narrative and philosophical depth of his work remain widely praised. Greene's characters often navigate the tension between moral duty and personal survival, a complexity highlighted in the analyses of Doreen D'Cruz.
While some critics question Greene's character development and occasional reliance on melodrama, others, like Donald Barr, acknowledge the literary significance of his short stories. Greene's use of myth and psychology adds layers to his narratives, enriching their thematic complexity, as noted by Carolyn D. Scott. His stories like "The Basement Room" and "The Destructors" explore themes of innocence and moral ambiguity, as illuminated by John Bayley and Jesse F. McCartney.
Greene's later works, like Monsignor Quixote, have sparked debate regarding their depth and artistic merit. Critics such as Don Coles and Samuel Hynes offer varied perspectives, while Paul Fussell questions Greene's standing in the absence of contemporaries like Faulkner and Hemingway. Nevertheless, Greene's Ways of Escape is praised by Christopher Lehmann-Haupt for its insight into his writing, despite critiques from James Atlas regarding its evasiveness.
Greene's literary legacy is underscored by his ability to fuse popular appeal with thematic depth, creating narratives that reflect the political and social currents of his time. His novella Doctor Fischer of Geneva or the Bomb Party exemplifies his thematic preoccupations with greed and moral absolutism, as noted by Michael Mewshaw and Francis King. Despite mixed critical reception, as highlighted by Jonathan Penner and Robert Towers, Greene's exploration of existential themes remains impactful.
Contents
- Principal Works
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Greene, Graham (Vol. 18)
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Graham Greene and the Way We Live Now
(summary)
In the following essay, Miriam Allott examines Graham Greene’s unique blend of popularity and literary seriousness, highlighting his ability to create a distinct, socially and politically aware universe that reflects both a "fallen world" and the contradictions inherent in "the way we live now," while comparing him to notable predecessors like Dickens and Conrad.
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Multiple Greeds
(summary)
In the following essay, Michael Mewshaw argues that Graham Greene's novella Doctor Fischer of Geneva or the Bomb Party encapsulates recurring themes in Greene's work, such as despair and human greed, through its portrayal of the titular character's manipulative experiments on his guests, reflecting an exploration of moral absolutism.
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Despairing
(summary)
In the following essay, Francis King explores the themes of despair, the superficiality of wealth, and the fleeting nature of happiness in Graham Greene's novella, Doctor Fischer of Geneva or the Bomb Party, emphasizing Greene's departure from his typical narratives and the stoic resilience of both the character Alfred and Greene himself.
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Rites of Greed and Death
(summary)
In the following essay, Jonathan Penner critiques Graham Greene's Doctor Fischer of Geneva or The Bomb Party for its uneven integration of comedy and serious themes, highlighting Greene's unmatched figurative language while noting the novel's lack of unity and its promising yet undeveloped subplots.
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Books and the Arts: 'Doctor Fischer of Geneva or the Bomb Party'
(summary)
In the following essay, John Romano explores Graham Greene's complex treatment of evil in Doctor Fischer of Geneva or the Bomb Party, observing how Greene places sin at the center of human experience, critiques the novel's structure and themes, and highlights Greene's exploration of spiritual and moral questions in a secular world.
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Cautionary Tale
(summary)
In the following essay, Robert Towers critiques Graham Greene's Doctor Fischer of Geneva or the Bomb Party as a work of mixed intentions, arguing that its allegorical elements and thin character development fail to deliver a coherent message, despite moments of powerful writing.
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Everything Banished but Love
(summary)
In the following essay, Frank McConnell explores how Graham Greene's novel "Doctor Fischer of Geneva" exemplifies Greene's ongoing engagement with themes of blasphemy, despair, and existential faith, drawing parallels with Kafka's work and highlighting the novel's innovative exploration of "Greeneland" as a reflection on the moral survival amidst the burden of existence.
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Books: 'Doctor Fischer of Geneva or The Bomb Party'
(summary)
In the following essay, Quentin Crisp argues that Graham Greene's Dr. Fischer of Geneva or The Bomb Party should be viewed as an allegory, highlighting contrasting attributes of human nature, and praises its narrative craftsmanship despite its cold tone and the absence of the religious themes typical in Greene's other works.
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Graham Greene and the Way We Live Now
(summary)
- Greene, Graham (Vol. 1)
- Greene, Graham (Vol. 3)
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Greene, Graham (Vol. 125)
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To Choose a Different Loyalty: Greene's Politics in The Human Factor
(summary)
In the following essay, Storhoff examines Greene's portrayal of the conflicting interests of political action, personal morality, and institutional order in The Human Factor. "For Greene," writes Storhoff, "religion should not take one out of the political world; instead, it should provide one with a coherent moral vision and profound scope that the secular world cannot offer."
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Comedy and Moral Stasis in Greene's The Comedians
(summary)
In the following essay, D'Cruz identifies the "comedian" as a chameleon-like figure whose emotional disengagement represents an adaptive behavior to cope with reality in a tragic modern world.
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Graham Cracker
(summary)
In the following review, Pryce-Jones criticizes Greene's political loyalties and offers unfavorable assessment of The Captain and the Enemy.
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Graham Greene: The Catholic Novels
(summary)
In the following essay, Bawer examines Greene's Catholic conversion, his personal faith, and the significance of Catholicism in The Power and the Glory, The Heart of the Matter, The End of the Affair, and A Burnt-Out Case.
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Graham Greene and the Hounds of Brighton Rock
(summary)
In the following essay, Malamet discusses elements of detection, pursuit, and evasion in Brighton Rock. Contrary to critical interpretations that emphasize the conflict between Ida and Pinkie, Malamet contends that "the metaphysical hunt is the more fundamental tension for Pinkie, and it is centered around his connection to the past, and his relationship with Rose Wilson and the invisible hand of God."
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The Uncynical Disillusion of Graham Greene
(summary)
In the following review, Lebowitz discusses Greene's moral and religious vision in The Last Word and Other Stories.
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History Over Theology: The Case for Pinkie in Greene's Brighton Rock
(summary)
In the following essay, Williams draws attention to the sociopolitical context and value of Brighton Rock. According to Williams, "Brighton Rock remains one of Greene's most ambitious achievements for its ability to encapsulate an historical movement, namely the collapse of the British economic power in the 1930s with the consequent paralysis and the poverty that crept like a cancer across the normal social boundaries."
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Truth and Falsehood in the Metaphors of A Burnt-Out Case
(summary)
In the following essay, De Vinne discusses the metaphorical significance of children and childhood in A Burnt-Out Case. According to De Vinne, "childhood corresponds with falsehood while adulthood symbolizes truth" in the novel.
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The Uses of Delay in The Power and the Glory
(summary)
In the following essay, Malamet examines the narrative function and symbolic significance of delay, hesitation, and suspense in The Power and the Glory.
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To Choose a Different Loyalty: Greene's Politics in The Human Factor
(summary)
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Greene, Graham (Vol. 14)
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Felix Culpa?
(summary)
In the following essay, Evelyn Waugh argues that Graham Greene's novels, particularly "The Heart of the Matter," explore complex theological themes, notably the nature of damnation and divine mercy, through richly detailed storytelling and morally ambiguous characters, emphasizing Greene's unique ability to transform theological ideas into vivid, human drama.
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Augustinian Novelists
(summary)
In the following essay, Kathleen Nott critiques Graham Greene's use of Catholicism in his novels, arguing that while he effectively portrays the psychological struggle in works like The Power and the Glory, other novels such as The Heart of the Matter and The End of the Affair suffer from dogmatic intrusions that undermine artistic integrity.
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Books Considered: 'The End of the Affair'
(summary)
In the following essay, Frank McConnell argues that Greene's novel The End of the Affair daringly explores the limits of art and belief by intertwining spiritual and human love, presenting a narrative that challenges both religious and artistic conventions through its depiction of a woman's transformative faith and its impact on human relationships.
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The Improbable Spy
(summary)
In the following essay, Richard Jones critiques Graham Greene's novel The Human Factor for its lack of convincing character development and ideological depth, arguing that while Greene's storytelling prowess and poetic ideas remain evident, the book ultimately fails to resonate due to its unrealistic narrative and weak execution.
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Felix Culpa?
(summary)
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Greene, Graham (Henry)
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A Gentleman's 'C'
(summary)
In the following essay, Paul Fussell critiques Graham Greene's literary style, suggesting that Greene's themes of escape and espionage are superficial, his prose lacks precision and syntactical mastery, and his work is characterized by a false sense of thematic unity and modesty.
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Christopher Lehmann-Haupt
(summary)
In the following essay, Christopher Lehmann-Haupt praises Graham Greene's "Ways of Escape" for its engaging narrative style, insightful commentary on the craft of writing, and its deeply personal exploration of how Greene's life experiences transform into fiction, serving as both an instructional guide for writers and a profound autobiographical work.
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A Sort of Autobiography
(summary)
In the following essay, James Atlas explores Graham Greene's autobiographical approach in "Ways of Escape," arguing that Greene's recounting of his life is evasive and impersonal, yet his novels effectively capture the critical experiences and emotional landscapes that define his existence.
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Secret Sharer
(summary)
In the following essay, Denis Donoghue argues that Graham Greene's work in "Ways of Escape" reflects the typical themes and melodramatic style of the English 1930s, with an emphasis on character over plot, exploring themes of betrayal and danger, yet ultimately leaves unresolved the sincerity and depth of its significance.
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Articles of Faith
(summary)
In the following essay, Don Coles critiques Graham Greene's Monsignor Quixote as an uneven novel burdened by familiar themes and characters, yet intermittently redeemed by Greene's enduring literary skills and insightful reflections on faith and doubt, ultimately posing a challenge to readers and highlighting Greene's distinctive authorial voice.
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The Strength of Uncertainty
(summary)
In the following essay, Julian Symons argues that Graham Greene's literary strength lies in his ability to transcend personal beliefs, exploring themes of faith, betrayal, and moral ambiguity through vividly atmospheric settings, complex characters, and narrative techniques that balance tension between faith and humanism, ultimately reflecting the Manichean struggle between good and evil.
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Greene in Winter
(summary)
In the following essay, Samuel Hynes explores Graham Greene's persistent thematic focus on the dichotomy of power and faith, examining how Monsignor Quixote continues this exploration in a parable-like manner, illustrating Greene's worldview that all power is corrupt and emphasizing the significance of doubt in both religious and political contexts.
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A Gentleman's 'C'
(summary)
- Greene, Graham (Vol. 6)
- Greene, Graham (Vol. 9)
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Greene, Graham
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Graham Greene's World
(summary)
In the following positive review of Nineteen Stories, Barr provides an overview of Greene's career and states that the stories in the volume reflect Greene's development as a novelist.
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Nineteen Stories
(summary)
In the positive assessment of Nineteen Stories below, Burnham discusses stylistic and thematic elements in the short stories.
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Twenty-Seven Stories
(summary)
In the following mixed evaluation of Nineteen Stories, Rosenfeld praises Greene's honest depiction of childhood but faults his attempts at confessional writing.
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Master Craftsman
(summary)
In the following mixed review of Twenty-One Stories, Barrett praises Greene's craftsmanship but faults his inability to present realistic characters.
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Stories by Greene
(summary)
Below, Wilkie presents a positive assessment of A Sense of Reality, discussing Greene's use of myth, fantasy, and psychology in the work.
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A Strong Smell of Fish
(summary)
In the following mixed review of A Sense of Reality, Corke comments on the four stories in the volume, praising Greene's professionalism and faulting his use of paradox.
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The Witch at the Corner: Notes on Graham Greene's Mythology
(summary)
In the essay below, Scott examines Greene's use of myth in his short stories, focusing in particular on his depiction of the myth of childhood within the context of African and primitive themes.
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Greene's 'Under the Garden': Aesthetic Explorations
(summary)
In the essay below, Boardman examines Greene's treatment of aesthetic concerns, including faith, belief imagination, and moral consciousness, in 'Under the Garden.'
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Greene Thoughts in a Greene Shade
(summary)
In the following mixed review of May We Borrow Your Husband? Allen states that the stories vary in quality but show "the author at play."
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May We Borrow Your Husband?
(summary)
In the following mixed evaluation, Coffey faults the unevenness and lack of emotional power in May We Borrow Your Husband? but praises five stories for their shrewdness and craftsmanship.
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Graham Greene's 'The Hint of an Explanation': A Reinterpretation
(summary)
In the following essay, Coulthard reexamines common interpretations of 'The Hint of an Explanation,' focusing on Greene's depiction of the character Blacker.
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Politics in Graham Greene's 'The Destructors'
(summary)
In the following essay, McCartney discusses the political implications of 'The Destructors,' concluding that the story is 'essentially a reflection of twentieth-century British politics.'
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Graham Greene: The Short Stories
(summary)
In the essay below, Bayley provides a thematic and stylistic overview of Greene's short stories.
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Short Stories, Plays, Essays
(summary)
In the excerpt below, Miller analyzes three of Greene's short stories, including "The Basement Room," "The Destructors," and "Under the Garden," which the critic believes represent the themes and techniques of Greene's short fiction as a whole.
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Ever Greene
(summary)
In the following mixed review, Stern states that even though The Last Word does not reflect his best works of short fiction, Greene is nevertheless a masterful short story writer.
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Loosing the Devils and The Last Word
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Kelly examines Greene's early short stories, written during his years as a student, stating that in these works Greene worked out the "terrors and frustrations" of his youth. Kelly then discusses The Last Word, a work he feels "conveys a synoptic view of the stages of [Greene's] life as a writer."
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Graham Greene's World
(summary)
- Further Reading