Since its first publication in 1955, Graham Greene’s The Quiet American has been praised and abused by critics for more than forty years. Even though Greene was no communist, his readers acknowledged his feelings about the American presence in Vietnam. Apart from the anti-American attacks, many writers portrayed interesting opinions in their essays, which proved useful in understanding certain aspects of the novel. Such is the case of “Transitions:The Quiet American” by A. A. DeVitis.

The author starts with the notion of both internal and external themes presented in the book. He then defines The Quiet American as being “primarily about human beings involved in a political and ethical dilemma” (DeVitis 110). Throughout the novel, we observe Fowler’s struggle of «engagement», in which he becomes tor

Another relevant aspect to The Quiet American is pity as a form of egotism (113). After Fowler witnessed a few war scenes and contemplated the dead bodies, he said: “I know myself and I know the depth of my selfishness. I cannot be at ease if someone else is in pain, visibly or audibly or tactually” (Greene 124). Following Pyle’s “innocent” terrorist assault, Fowler is forced to act and take sides in order to “remain human” (114). Even though the readers are left uncomfortable as to what Fowler’s ultimate motives are, we sense that Pyle’s death would have occurred inevitably, regardless of Fowler’s interference.

DeVitis, A. A. “Transitions: The Quiet American.” Graham Greene, Revised Edition.” Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1986.

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