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THE MANIFESTATION OF THE ARTISTIC FEATURES OF LITERARY POETICS IN
GRAHAM GREENE’S “THE QUIET AMERICAN”
Umrzakov Islom Isroilovich
Doctor of philosophy (PhD) in philological sciences of the Department of English Language and
Literature, Namangan State Institute of Foreign Languages named after Is`haqkhan Ibrat.
To’rayeva Muazzam Maxammadjon kizi
Master student of the Faculty of World Languages
Abstract:
The purpose of this article is to express the manifestation of the artistic features of
literary poetics in Graham Greene’s “The Quiet American”
Key words:
poetics, symbols, metaphor, allegory, humanitarian, connection to real life.
Annotatsiya:
ushbu maqolaning maqsadi Grem Grinning “Sokin amerikalik” asarida badiiy asar
poetikasi xususiyatlarini ochib berishdan iborat.
Kalit so’zlar:
poetika, ramzlar, metafora, allegoriya, insonparvarlik, hayot bilan bog’liqlik.
Аннотация:
Цель данной статьи заключается в раскрытии художественных особенностей
поэтики произведения Грэма Грина “Тихий американец”.
Ключевые слова:
поэтика, символы, метафора, аллегория, гуманизм, связь с жизнью.
Graham Greene is one of the most famous writers in English literature, and his works are rich in
artistic styles and poetic elements. He often portrays complex human conditions by using
dramatic structures, distinctive characters, symbols, and themes. Greene’s works, especially
those that use specific artistic forms and poetic styles, are found in many places. Greene’s works
blend both realistic and modernist elements in literature. His writing style is simple yet
distinctive, often exploring psychological states, inner struggles, and philosophical issues.
Through artistic poetics, his works depict the complexity of life, the inner world of humans, and
human vulnerabilities. Greene’s works feature an important role for symbols and metaphors.
These help provide a deeper understanding of key themes. In Greene’s literary works, poetic
elements are employed in every section of his artistic creations. The following elements can be
distinguished:
1.
Allegory (Symbolism):
Allegorical meanings and symbols in his works complement the
main content of his works.
2.
Psychological Portraits:
Greene often portrays the inner world of his characters,
showing their personal crises.
3.
Deep Meaning Through Events and Situations:
In poetic works, events are
interconnected, reflecting the characters’ inner struggles.
Allegory (or Symbolism)
is the art of expressing deeper, often moral, philosophical, or political
ideas through certain images or events in a literary work. Allegory in a work can be represented
through characters, events, or objects, which symbolize certain real-world events or ideas. That
is, with allegory, seemingly simple events or situations in a work may transform into a depiction
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of another meaning or idea. In ‘The Quiet American,’ elements of allegory exist, and through
them, Greene conveys political and moral ideas. In this novel, allegory illustrates not only
political differences but also complex concepts of humanity, idealism, and truth. Below are some
allegorical elements in the novel:
1.
Pyle and His Humanitarian Idealism (Allegory of American Politics):
Pyle plays a
clear allegorical role in the story. He embodies the idealistic and revolutionary approach
of American politics. His desire to bring about ‘good’ in Vietnam is, in fact, an allegory
of America’s idealistic approach, but it leads to disastrous consequences for people and
nations. Pyle considers himself a helper, a humanitarian, and a bringer of goodness, but
as shown in the novel, his actions ruin many lives. This reflects the idealistic yet
disastrous side of American political decisions allegorically.
2.
Vietnam and Its Symbolic Use (Allegory of War and Change):
Vietnam itself is used
as an allegory in the story. It is depicted as a symbol of war and conflicts, representing
change. The conflict between Pyle and Fowler mirrors the political and moral conflicts in
Vietnam. Vietnam’s tumultuous, unfinished, and uncertain circumstances allegorically
depict the issues of human and political reforms taking place there.
3.
Fowler and His Inner Struggles (Allegory of Moral Choice):
Fowler’s internal
struggles become allegorical, as his difficulties in making moral decisions reflect a
broader ethical dilemma. Fowler’s process of searching for himself amid romantic,
political, and moral choices serves as an allegory for the decisions in life and their
consequences.
4.
Pyle and Fowler’s Conflict (Allegory of Good and Evil):
the conflict between Pyle and
Fowler allegorically represents the struggle between good and evil, idealism and realism.
Pyle, with his firm idealistic beliefs, tries to enact ‘good’ in his fight against enemies, but
Fowler’s realism and practical approach show the complexities of real life in his
decisions. The element of ‘quiet’ in the title symbolizes Pyle’s American idealism and
belief in peace. However, Greene reveals that this idealism is not aligned with the social
realities and is marked by internal uncertainties, linking ‘quiet’ with broader political
symbols related to America.
In ‘The Quiet American,’ allegory plays a crucial role, through which Greene explores political
ideals and realities, changes, and mistakes. Through the characters Pyle, Fowler, and the symbol
of Vietnam and war, Greene uses allegory to depict human choices and their consequences.
Allegory deepens Greene’s political, moral, and human ideas in his work. The poetic elements in
Greene’s works reflect his ideas and the literary styles he presents. His characters are often
depicted through moral searches, internal conflicts, doubts, and growth.
Humanism in ‘The Quiet American’:
humanism plays a significant role in ‘The Quiet
American.’ Greene explores the interconnection between humanity, moral values, personal
beliefs, and politics. The novel is primarily concerned with how internal human decisions are
shaped by factors like ideals, politics, and ethics. Humanism, which emphasizes the dignity,
rights, and freedom of individuals, is explored in Greene’s work.
Pyle demonstrates humanism and its relationship with politics. He enters Vietnam as an
American aid worker and, with his idealistic beliefs, tries to do ‘good.’ In fact, he tries to start a
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humanitarian mission based on his moral values, but the clash between idealism and pragmatism
leads to unforeseen consequences. Pyle’s worldview, seen in the novel, is one representation of
humanistic ideals. However, his imposition of his values on others ultimately leads to
complicated moral questions. He struggles with the challenges of accepting others’ individuality
and moral choices.
Fowler, as a humanistic character in the story, reflects on the moral challenges humans face and
how difficult it is to make decisions based on justice and ethics. Fowler expresses his humanistic
approach not through idealistic views but by demonstrating trust and compassion for humanity.
His actions, including challenging Pyle’s idealistic perspective, demonstrate the deep
complexities of humanism and ethics.
Through the conflict between Pyle and Fowler, Greene highlights the delicate balance between
idealism and humanism. Pyle’s political ambitions and the resulting mistakes he makes in
implementing his ideals reflect the fragility of humanistic values. Fowler, however, shows the
importance of respecting others’ choices, seeking justice, and understanding human values
through his practical, humanistic approach.
The Complexities of Life and Truths in ‘The Quiet American’:
Greene’s work portrays life’s
complex truths through the internal struggles, political, and spiritual decisions of the characters.
Fowler, at the beginning of the novel, speaks about the complexity of life. He reflects on his
decisions and the inner conflicts he faces. A passage in the novel says: ‘In the end, we are all just
looking for a way to live with ourselves.’ This reflects Fowler’s internal struggles. He
contemplates how to accept his own life and justify his decisions. This truth underscores the
need for self-acceptance, moral integrity, and confidence.
Pyle, despite being idealistic and optimistic, ignores the harsh realities of life in his pursuit of
political goals. He fails to consider the real needs and desires of people. His idealism is linked to
his political goal of intervening in the Vietnam War. He neglects the harsh truths of life,
particularly people’s emotional and psychological needs. In his view, achieving ‘good’ justifies
any means, even if it sacrifices others.
‘I’m not a politician. I’m a humanitarian. I’m just trying to do what is right.’ This statement from
Pyle exemplifies his idealistic, yet detached views on life. Though he intends to unite humanity
for a noble cause, he ignores real human emotions and needs. Throughout the novel, Greene
explores the complexities of life and the difficult decisions characters make.
‘We do not really know anyone, not even ourselves,’ says Fowler, which reflects another truth of
life. While humans strive to understand themselves and others, they realize they are limited in
truly comprehending themselves and others. This realization reveals life’s complexities and the
internal battles humans face.
The themes of love, trust, and loss also reflect life’s difficulties. Fowler’s lover, Phuong, plays a
crucial role in his life, yet their relationship faces the risk of separation. Fowler’s decisions in
this context reflect life’s truths—love is often accompanied by loss, and in life, individuals are
responsible for their choices and actions.
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‘In the end, there was nothing left to say.’ This reflects the uncertainty in Fowler’s relationship
with Phuong and the reality of their separation. The connection between love and life shows the
various ways in which individuals seek and accept the truth of their existence.
In conclusion, poetic styles and artistic elements play a significant role in Greene’s works. His
literary legacy touches on complex human emotions, internal conflicts, and philosophical
reflections on the meaning or meaninglessness of life. The poetic elements in Greene’s works
provide the reader with deep, thoughtful, and multi-layered information. In ‘The Quiet
American,’ the truths of life are portrayed through the characters’ internal struggles, decisions,
and choices. Through characters like Pyle and Fowler, Greene illustrates the complexities of life,
the weight of moral decisions, and the search for self-understanding. Each character accepts their
own truths, and the novel emphasizes that life is not simple or perfect but complex and often
uncertain. Through the conflict between idealism and realism, humanism, and ethical choices,
Greene invites the reader to confront profound questions about humanity, justice, and the pursuit
of truth.
References:
1. Greene, Graham. The Quiet American. London: Heinemann, 1955.
2. Harris, David. Graham Greene: A Biography. New York: Viking Press, 1995.
3. Thody, Philip. Graham Greene: The Man Within. London: Secker & Warburg, 1987.
4. Cowie, Peter. Graham Greene: The Films of His Life. New York: A. S. Barnes & Co., 1994.
5. King, Geoff. Film and Television Drama: Theories and Analysis. London: Arnold, 2001.
6. Hopkinson, James. “The Quiet American and the Role of Allegory in Modern Literature.”
Journal of Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 43, no. 4, 1998, pp. 123-135.
7. Baumgarten, Robert. “Greene’s Political Allegory: The Quiet American and the Politics of
Idealism.” Journal of Literary Analysis, vol. 29, no. 2, 2003, pp. 77-91.
8. Schweitzer, Darrell. “Greene’s Humanism and the Politics of The Quiet American.” The
International Review of Social History, vol. 52, 2007, pp. 79-98.
9. Woods, J. D. Greene’s World: The Politics of an Exile. London: Macmillan, 1999.
10. Harrison, P. J. “Allegory and Symbolism in Greene’s The Quiet American.” English
Literature in Transition 1880–1920, vol. 42, no. 3, 1999, pp. 253-268.
11.
https://grahamgreenebt.org/?utm
_ graham green’s birthplace trust
12.
