“The End of the Affair” by Graham Greene is a novel that explores the complexities of love, hate, and religious belief. The story is set in London during World War II and follows the romantic relationship between Maurice Bendrix and Sarah Miles. The novel delves into the themes of jealousy, betrayal, and redemption, and is widely regarded as one of Greene’s finest works.
One of the most striking aspects of “The End of the Affair” is its use of allegory. Greene employs various symbols and motifs throughout the novel to convey deeper meanings and themes. For example, the rain that falls throughout the story represents the emotions of the characters, particularly their sorrow and despair. The use of Catholicism as a backdrop also serves as an allegory for the characters’ struggles with faith and morality.
In “The End of the Affair,” Graham Greene explores the complexities of human relationships and the intersection of love and faith. Set in London during and after World War II, the novel follows the story of Maurice Bendrix, a writer who has a five-year affair with a married woman, Sarah Miles.
The novel is widely considered to be one of Greene’s best works, and it reflects his growing interest in Catholicism and the role of religion in people’s lives. In fact, “The End of the Affair” is often seen as an allegory for the Christian faith, as Sarah transforms from an atheist to a believer in God.
Greene’s exploration of love and faith is also evident in his other works, such as “The Power and the Glory,” which is considered by many to be his masterpiece. In “The End of the Affair,” he delves into the themes of jealousy, obsession, and the search for meaning in a post-war world.
Overview of Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic characters, events, and objects to convey a deeper meaning beyond the literal interpretation. Allegories are often used to communicate complex ideas or moral lessons in an accessible and engaging way.
One of the most famous examples of allegory is George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which uses a group of farm animals to represent the events leading up to the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. Another example is Dante’s Divine Comedy, which uses a journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven to explore the nature of sin, redemption, and divine love.
Allegories can be found in many different genres of literature, including fables, parables, and fairy tales. They can also be used in poetry, drama, and even in visual art. Some of the most famous allegorical works include John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, and C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia.
In addition to conveying moral lessons and complex ideas, allegories can also be used to critique social and political systems, as well as to explore the human condition. By using symbolic language and imagery, allegories can create a powerful and lasting impact on readers, inviting them to think deeply about the world around them.
Graham Greene’s Life and Religious Influence
Graham Greene was born in 1904 in Berkhamsted, England. He was raised in a family that was not religious, but he later converted to Catholicism in 1926. This conversion had a significant impact on his life and writing.
Throughout his career, Greene’s Catholic faith played a prominent role in his writing. He often explored themes of sin, redemption, and morality in his novels. However, he did not shy away from depicting the darker aspects of human nature and the Church.
Greene’s personal life was also marked by struggles with his faith. He had numerous affairs and struggled with alcoholism, which led to conflicts with the Church. Despite these challenges, his faith remained a central part of his life and writing.
Major Themes and Symbols
“The End of the Affair” by Graham Greene is a novel that explores complex themes of love, hate, religion, and morality. The novel’s central theme is the nature of love, and how it can be both destructive and redemptive. The novel also explores the theme of faith and how it can provide solace and hope in times of crisis.
One of the most significant symbols in the novel is the Victorian stained glass window on Bendrix’s door. The window symbolizes Sarah and Henry’s marriage, which is something that should have been destroyed but somehow remained intact. The stained glass window also represents the fragility of relationships and how they can be shattered by external forces.
Another important symbol in the novel is the bomb that explodes and nearly kills Bendrix. The bomb represents the destructive power of love and how it can lead to jealousy, obsession, and violence. The bomb also symbolizes the uncertainty and chaos of the world during World War II.
The novel also explores the theme of morality and how it can be subjective. The characters in the novel struggle with issues of right and wrong, and they often find themselves questioning their own moral values. The novel suggests that morality is not always clear-cut and that people must make difficult choices based on their own beliefs and values.
Character Analysis and Allegorical Roles
In “The End of the Affair” by Graham Greene, the characters play significant roles in the allegory. The protagonist, Maurice Bendrix, is a writer and Sarah Miles’ lover. Sarah Miles, the love interest, transforms from an atheist to a follower of God. Bendrix’s jealousy leads him to hire a private investigator, Parkis, to spy on Sarah, which ultimately leads to his discovery of her affair with God.
Parkis, the private investigator, represents the secular world’s skepticism towards religion. He is unable to comprehend Sarah’s transformation and remains skeptical of her religious beliefs.
Henry Miles, Sarah’s husband, represents the Church. He is unable to give Sarah the love and passion she desires, which ultimately leads her to seek solace in God.
The Love Triangle as Allegory
The love triangle in “The End of the Affair” can be interpreted as an allegory for the human condition. The three central characters, Maurice Bendrix, Sarah Miles, and Henry Miles, represent different aspects of human nature.
Maurice Bendrix, the writer, represents the creative and passionate side of humanity. He is impulsive and driven by his emotions, which often leads him to act recklessly. Sarah Miles, on the other hand, represents the spiritual and transcendent side of humanity. She is deeply religious and seeks meaning beyond the physical world.
Finally, Henry Miles represents the mundane and practical side of humanity. He is a civil servant and lives a conventional life, devoid of passion or spiritual fulfillment. The love triangle between these three characters represents the struggle between these different aspects of human nature.
Through their interactions, the novel explores the themes of jealousy, obsession, and forgiveness. It also raises questions about the nature of love and the meaning of life.
Faith and Doubt
The End of the Affair is a novel that explores the themes of faith and doubt. The protagonist, Maurice Bendrix, is an atheist who falls in love with Sarah Miles, a married woman who later converts to Catholicism. Sarah’s newfound faith becomes a central focus of the novel, as Bendrix struggles to understand her belief in God.
Throughout the novel, Bendrix grapples with his own doubts about the existence of God. He questions whether Sarah’s conversion is genuine or simply a way for her to cope with the guilt of their affair. Despite his skepticism, Bendrix is drawn to Sarah’s faith and finds himself seeking answers to his own spiritual questions.
The novel also explores the role of doubt in faith. Sarah’s faith is not without its struggles, as she experiences moments of doubt and uncertainty. However, it is through these struggles that she ultimately finds a deeper connection to God.
Miracles and Reality
In “The End of the Affair,” Graham Greene explores the theme of miracles and reality. The novel takes place during World War II, a time of great uncertainty and upheaval. Against this backdrop, the characters grapple with their beliefs and doubts about the existence of miracles.
Throughout the novel, Greene uses the character of Sarah to explore the idea of miracles. After surviving a bomb blast, Sarah becomes convinced that she has experienced a miracle. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that her belief in the miracle is tied to her love for Bendrix. In other words, her perception of reality is shaped by her emotions.
Greene also uses the character of Bendrix to explore the theme of miracles. As a writer, he is skeptical of miracles and the supernatural. However, his experiences with Sarah and the events that follow force him to question his beliefs. In the end, he comes to the realization that miracles can be found in everyday life, and that they are often tied to our emotions and perceptions.
Analysis of the Ending
The ending of “The End of the Affair” by Graham Greene is a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to the story. In the final chapters, the reader sees the culmination of the themes of love, hate, and faith that have been explored throughout the novel.
The ending is particularly significant because it reveals the true nature of Sarah’s faith and her relationship with God. The reader learns that Sarah’s faith was not just a passing phase or a way to cope with her illness, but rather a deep and abiding love for God. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the character of Sarah and underscores the importance of faith in the novel.
Another important aspect of the ending is the resolution of the love triangle between Sarah, Bendrix, and Henry. The reader sees that Sarah’s love for Bendrix was not just a fleeting passion, but a deep and abiding love that she carried with her until the end of her life. At the same time, the ending also shows that Sarah’s love for Henry was not just a convenient arrangement, but a genuine affection that she had for him.
The Role of Setting in the Allegory
The setting of “The End of the Affair” plays a significant role in the allegory. The novel is set in London during and after World War II, and the city is portrayed as a bleak and desolate place. This setting reflects the emotional state of the characters and the turmoil they experience in their relationships.
The war-torn city serves as a metaphor for the characters’ inner conflicts and the destruction of their love affair. The bombed-out buildings and rubble-filled streets symbolize the destruction of their relationship, while the constant threat of air raids represents the uncertainty and instability of their love.
The setting also highlights the religious themes of the novel. The war-torn city can be seen as a representation of the fallen world, while the characters’ struggle to find meaning and redemption in their lives reflects the religious themes of sin and salvation.
Comparative Analysis with Other Works
When compared to other works of Graham Greene, “The End of the Affair” stands out as a unique masterpiece. Greene’s growing interest in Catholicism is evident in this novel, as he grapples with religious belief and the transformation of Sarah from an atheist to a follower of God. This theme is also explored in his early novel, “The Power and the Glory,” which is considered by many to be his best work.
Another work that shares similarities with “The End of the Affair” is Ford Madox Ford’s “The Good Soldier,” which also focuses on sexless and unhappy marriages. However, Greene’s novel delves deeper into the themes of love, hate, jealousy, and betrayal, making it a more complex and engaging read.
In terms of style and structure, “The End of the Affair” can be compared to other modernist works such as Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” and James Joyce’s “Ulysses.” The use of stream-of-consciousness narration and non-linear storytelling adds depth and complexity to the novel, making it a challenging but rewarding read.
Critical Reception and Interpretations
The End of the Affair has been widely praised for its complex thematic presentation, astute characterization, and narrative style. Critics have interpreted the novel in many different ways, with some seeing it as a religious allegory, while others see it as a commentary on love and jealousy.
Many readers have focused on the religious themes in the novel, with some interpreting it as a meditation on faith and redemption. Others have seen it as a critique of Catholicism, with the character of Sarah representing a rejection of the Church’s teachings.
Some critics have also focused on the novel’s portrayal of love and jealousy, with Maurice Bendrix’s obsessive love for Sarah leading to his eventual downfall. The novel has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of the complexities of human relationships and the destructive power of jealousy.
Influence on Modern Literature and Culture
Graham Greene’s “The End of the Affair” has left a lasting impact on modern literature and culture. The novel’s exploration of themes such as love, faith, and betrayal has inspired numerous works of fiction and non-fiction.
One notable example is Ian McEwan’s “Atonement,” which shares similarities with “The End of the Affair” in its examination of the consequences of a single act of betrayal. Both novels also feature complex and flawed characters who struggle with their beliefs and desires.
In addition, the film adaptations of “The End of the Affair” have introduced the story to a wider audience. The 1999 version, directed by Neil Jordan and starring Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore, received critical acclaim and was nominated for two Academy Awards.