The Quiet American Analysis

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General Impressions I enjoyed reading The Quiet American by Graham Greene. I found that the plot was very relatable to modern life, despite the age of the book and year it takes place in. The Quiet American grasps upon the relationships in our lives, even during tragic events. Going beyond the scope of war, the story goes into the lives of three main people, Thomas Fowler, Phuong, and Aiden Pyle. This three way relationship is complicated. I like the relationship between Fowler and Phuong, and their lives are mediocre, but the age difference makes me feel bad for Phuong, and I feel because of Fowler, she cannot rise to her full potential. I feel that Fowler needs her for self support, and for more selfish reasons then why she needs Fowler. When Pyle is brought into their lives, I certainly disrespect what Pyle is trying to do, …show more content…

Although, Pyle is trying to have Phuong all to himself, by asking for her to decide. Of course, when it comes to relationships, I believe there is never a perfect one. Pyle gets under my nerves, despite his courage and open view of the world, he lacks many social criteria. He tries to interfere with someone else 's relationship, which is just wrong. Pyle looks for his own benefit to any given situation without thinking about how those around him may feel. Overall, I do like Fowler better than Pyle because Fowler is someone who you can look up to, despite his loneliness. Fowler wants to live a very simple life, with Phuong of course, which I totally agree with. Fowler is not aloud to marry Phuong because his wife back in England won’t sign a divorce. Again, religion at the time was more looked upon by society, so I cannot really relate. However, I hold it against Phuong for even considering Pyle over Fowler, this is emotionally cheating and her actions certainly do not have my approval. Despite Phuong’s sister having many influences on Phuong’s decisions, Phuong should be with the one she lives, not with someone who can