The End Of The Affair Analysis

In Graham Greene’s novel, The End of the Affair, he was able to illustrate the story of Maurice Bendrix and Sarah Miles’ affair through various perspectives. Greene started with Bendrix, then in Book Three he changed the narrator to Sarah’s point of view. Overall, Greene was able to create this novel using nonlinear narration and unreliable narration. In the novel, the use of nonlinear narration helps the reader understand the story better. The readers get a better feel for what the affair was like because of the way the narrator flashes back to that time. It makes the affair seem more real and it helps make deeper connections with the reader. It also helps the emotions come alive as though it is happening in real time. On page one it is said that Bendrix is writing this is 1946. It then goes on saying on page three that Bendrix, Henry, and Sarah had not seen each other since June of 1944.

She knows what she wants, and she doesn’t change that for anyone. Like it was said before, Sarah will not even think of leaving Henry to be with Bendrix. This goes along with her being sure of what she wants. Sarah knows that she doesn’t want to leave Henry, and she makes this very clear. Then, from Sarah’s journal, it is shown that this isn’t necessarily the case, it is only the way Bendrix sees it. In reality she is emotionally and spiritually unsure. She is struggling with her relationship not only with Bendrix, but also with God. The way that The End of the Affair is written makes a huge impact on how the story is perceived. The use of nonlinear narration, unreliable narration, and two point of views creates the story. Most of the book gives a look into the emotions of Bendrix, but the change of narration in the middle gives more insight into Sarah’s emotions. This allows the reader to understand the affair much better. The use of nonlinear allowed for the story to become more