A Quiet American

"Pyle wants to save the world, Fowler only wants to save himself" Discuss.

In Graham Greene's novel, "The Quiet American", Greene displays the characteristics of both Fowler and Pyle in ways that show that they are both similar and different at the same time. The portrayal that Greene gives of Fowler is one of a judgemental and depressed individual who is somewhat detached from life. On the other hand, Pyle has been depicted as intellectual and thoughtful however his naivety and innocence is what tragically leads to his demise. As seen throughout the novel, Pyle wants to provide for Phuong and believes that his actions will save the Vietnamese although we later come to realise that this is driven by idealism and not by reality. In contrast, Fowler is wrapped up in his life with Phuong and does not pay much attention to much around him other than himself. Ultimately Fowler is selfish and continues to have total detachment from the world around him.

Fowler's selfishness is constantly portrayed through his relationship with Phuong and his growing dislike of Pyle due to the fact that he could possibly take Phuong away from him. The first portrayal of Fowler's relationship with Phuong is through objectification, she was like an object, "the hiss of steam, the clink of a cup, she was a certain hour of the night and the promise of rest". Fowler initially did not really love Phuong but saw her more as a source of company for his loneliness. However as the novel progresses Fowler admits his "love" for Phuong and only wants her for himself. Pyle on the other hand views Phuong as innocent but is never truly able to see her true self. Even though Fowler loves Phuong and allows her to be who she is, tries to understand her and accept her, he uses her and wants her to himself. He does not want Pyle to take her away simply to become one of the millions of ordinary housewives when he returns to the United States of America. Even though Fowler knows that Pyle has so much more to offer Phuong in the future as they are both young and he is successful, he still tries his best to keep Phuong for himself reinforcing the thought that he wants to save himself. At one stage in the novel he wrote a letter to his wife talking about a possible divorce. After his wife replied (stating nothing of agreeing to the decision) he then went and lied to Phuong that he would be getting a divorce. Again this is another example of Fowler's selfishness and need to think of himself, this time towards the one he loves, Phuong.

Pyle's idealism is both naïve and dangerous. He is not like the 'common" American but rather he imposes ideas which he believes will be successful. In reality however, the consequences of this are horrific with many civilians being killed. His knowledge of life, love and Vietnam is intellectual and all from "paper".