“The Heart of the Matter” is a novel written by Graham Greene and published in 1948. The book is set in West Africa during World War II and follows the story of Henry Scobie, a police officer who faces a moral crisis that tests his faith and his sense of duty. Through Scobie’s experiences, the novel explores themes such as love, guilt, and redemption.
One way to interpret “The Heart of the Matter” is as an allegory for the human condition. Scobie’s struggles can be seen as a representation of the struggles that all people face in their lives, such as the tension between duty and desire, the difficulty of making moral decisions, and the search for meaning and purpose. The novel’s exploration of these themes has made it a classic of modern literature and a favorite of readers and critics alike.
In this article, we will explore the allegorical elements of “The Heart of the Matter” and examine how the novel’s themes and characters can be understood in a broader context. By analyzing the book’s symbolism and imagery, we can gain a deeper understanding of Greene’s message and the significance of Scobie’s story.
Overview of ‘The Heart of the Matter’
“The Heart of the Matter” is a novel by Graham Greene that explores the moral dilemmas of war, love, and betrayal. Set in a small British colonial outpost in Sierra Leone during World War II, the story follows the life of Henry Scobie, a police officer who struggles to maintain his integrity in a corrupt and unjust society.
Throughout the novel, Greene uses allegory to depict the inner turmoil of Scobie as he tries to reconcile his faith with the harsh realities of his life. The novel is a commentary on the human condition and the complexities of morality in the face of adversity.
Greene’s writing style is characterized by his use of vivid imagery and his ability to create complex, multi-dimensional characters. He explores themes such as love, guilt, and redemption, and his work is often praised for its psychological depth and emotional resonance.
Graham Greene’s Biography
Graham Greene was an English novelist, playwright, and literary critic born on October 2, 1904, in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England. He was the fourth of six children and was raised in a middle-class family. After attending Oxford University, he worked as a journalist for various newspapers, including The Times and The Spectator.
Greene’s literary career began in the 1920s, and he went on to write over 25 novels, numerous short stories, and several plays. He is considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, known for his complex characters, moral ambiguity, and exploration of themes such as love, faith, and politics.
Greene’s personal life was marked by several affairs and a lifelong struggle with depression. He converted to Catholicism in 1926 and remained a devout Catholic throughout his life. His religious beliefs heavily influenced his writing, and many of his works explore the themes of sin, redemption, and the struggle between faith and doubt.
In addition to his writing, Greene was also involved in politics and served as a British intelligence officer during World War II. He was a vocal critic of colonialism and imperialism, and his experiences in Africa and Southeast Asia informed much of his writing.
Graham Greene passed away on April 3, 1991, in Vevey, Switzerland, at the age of 86. Despite his controversial personal life, he remains a highly respected and influential figure in the literary world.
Historical Context of the Novel
During the time of writing, “The Heart of the Matter,” the world was recovering from the Second World War. The novel was published in 1948, a time when the world was still reeling from the effects of the war. The novel is set in West Africa, which was then a British colony. The author, Graham Greene, was a former British Intelligence Officer in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and drew on his experiences there.
The novel’s setting in West Africa is significant because it highlights the impact of the war on the colonies. The war had a significant impact on the economies of the colonies, and the novel portrays the bleakness of life in these areas. The novel also explores themes of colonialism and imperialism, which were prevalent during this period.
Moreover, the novel’s exploration of Catholicism is also significant in the historical context. The novel is considered part of a “Catholic trilogy,” which includes “Brighton Rock” and “The Power and the Glory.” The trilogy explores the author’s religious beliefs and his views on Catholicism. During this time, Catholicism was a dominant religion in the world, and the novel reflects the author’s views on the religion.
Main Themes in ‘The Heart of the Matter’
In “The Heart of the Matter,” Graham Greene explores several themes that are relevant even today. One of the main themes of the novel is morality. The protagonist, Scobie, is a morally upright man who is torn between his duty as a police officer and his personal life. The novel raises questions about the morality of colonialism, war, and personal relationships.
Another important theme in the novel is religion. Greene was a devout Catholic, and his novels often explore religious themes. In “The Heart of the Matter,” he explores the concept of sin and redemption. Scobie struggles with his faith and is torn between his duty to God and his duty to his wife.
The theme of love is also present in the novel. Scobie is deeply in love with his wife, but their relationship is strained due to his duty as a police officer. The novel explores the complexities of love and the sacrifices that people make for the ones they love.
Finally, the theme of isolation is also present in the novel. Scobie feels isolated in his personal and professional life. He is unable to share his problems with anyone and feels trapped in his situation. The novel explores the consequences of isolation and the importance of human connection.
Allegorical Elements in the Novel
Religious Allegory
The Heart of the Matter is a novel that contains several religious allegories. The main character, Scobie, is a devout Catholic who struggles with his faith throughout the novel. His moral crisis is a representation of the struggle between good and evil, and his eventual suicide is a metaphor for salvation. The novel also explores the concept of sin and redemption, and the role of religion in society.
Political Allegory
The Heart of the Matter is set in a colonial African city during World War II, and political allegory is present throughout the novel. The colonial system is a metaphor for the corrupt and oppressive nature of political power, and the characters represent different political ideologies. The novel also explores themes of imperialism and nationalism, and the consequences of political power on individuals and society.
Existential Allegory
The Heart of the Matter is an existential allegory that explores the meaning of life and the human condition. The characters in the novel struggle with their own mortality and the inevitability of death. The novel also explores themes of isolation, alienation, and the search for identity. The existential allegory in the novel is a representation of the human experience and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic and unpredictable world.
Character Analysis
Scobie’s Moral Dilemma
Henry Scobie, the protagonist of “The Heart of the Matter,” is a colonial police officer who is struggling with his moral beliefs. He is tasked with inspecting boats for wartime contraband, but he finds himself in a dilemma when he is faced with the choice of either betraying his duty or his conscience. As a result, he becomes entangled in an affair with a young widow named Helen Rolt, which further complicates his moral dilemma.
Louise as a Symbol
Louise, Scobie’s wife, serves as a symbol of his inner turmoil. She is a devout Catholic who believes in the sanctity of marriage, but Scobie’s affair with Helen Rolt challenges her beliefs. Louise’s character also highlights the cultural clash between the colonial British and the African natives, as she struggles to adapt to the new environment and the people around her.
Wilson’s Role
Wilson, a fellow police officer, plays a significant role in Scobie’s moral dilemma. He is a cynical and manipulative character who often challenges Scobie’s beliefs and tries to influence him to act against his conscience. Wilson’s character represents the corrupt and oppressive nature of colonialism, which adds to Scobie’s moral burden.
Literary Devices Used
Symbolism
Greene employs symbolism throughout “The Heart of the Matter” to convey deeper meanings and themes. For example, the recurring image of the mosquito represents the inevitability of death and the futility of trying to escape it. Similarly, the river symbolizes the constant flow of life and the inability to control one’s fate.
Foreshadowing
Greene uses foreshadowing to hint at the events to come and build suspense. For instance, the description of Scobie’s deteriorating mental state early on in the novel foreshadows his eventual suicide. Additionally, the repeated mentions of Wilson’s gun foreshadow the violent climax of the novel.
Irony
Irony is used to highlight the contrast between appearance and reality and to add depth to the characters and their actions. For example, Scobie’s efforts to do the right thing and maintain his moral integrity ultimately lead to his downfall. This irony underscores the complexity of human nature and the difficulty of navigating moral dilemmas. Similarly, the fact that Scobie’s affair with Helen is the most honest and authentic relationship in the novel is a poignant irony that underscores the theme of the loneliness and isolation that can come with living a moral life.
Critical Reception of the Novel
Critics have long praised “The Heart of the Matter” for its exploration of morality and faith in the face of war. The novel has been described as a powerful allegory for the human condition, with characters that are complex and multidimensional.
Many reviewers have noted the novel’s strong Catholic themes, with some even considering it to be part of a “Catholic trilogy” alongside Greene’s “Brighton Rock” and “The Power and the Glory.” However, others have criticized the novel for its portrayal of colonialism and its depiction of African characters.
Despite these criticisms, “The Heart of the Matter” remains a beloved classic of 20th century literature. Its themes of love, guilt, and redemption continue to resonate with readers today, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human experience.
Comparative Analysis
Similar Works by Greene
Graham Greene is known for his use of allegory in his novels, and “The Heart of the Matter” is no exception. In fact, many of his works share similarities in their use of allegory to explore moral and religious themes. For example, “The Power and the Glory” also deals with Catholicism and the struggle between sin and redemption. Similarly, “Brighton Rock” explores the nature of evil and the human condition.
Contrast with Other Allegories
While “The Heart of the Matter” shares similarities with other allegorical works by Greene, it also differs in significant ways. For instance, unlike “The Power and the Glory,” which focuses on the struggle of a single priest, “The Heart of the Matter” explores the moral crisis of a colonial police officer. Additionally, “The Heart of the Matter” is more ambiguous in its allegory, as the characters and themes are more complex and less clear-cut than in some of Greene’s other works.
Influence on Modern Literature
Graham Greene’s “The Heart of the Matter” is an allegory that has influenced modern literature in several ways. The novel’s exploration of morality, love, and human weakness has inspired many writers to delve deeper into these themes.
Greene’s masterful use of literary devices such as symbolism, irony, and metaphor has also had a significant impact on modern literature. Many writers have emulated Greene’s style and employed similar devices to create vivid and thought-provoking works of fiction.
In addition, “The Heart of the Matter” has been included in many literature curriculums, and its influence can be seen in the works of contemporary writers. The novel’s exploration of the human condition and its complex characters have inspired many writers to create similarly complex and nuanced characters in their own works.
Reading ‘The Heart of the Matter’ Today
The Heart of the Matter is a novel that still resonates with readers today. The themes of morality, love, betrayal, and the consequences of war are timeless and continue to be relevant. The novel’s exploration of the human condition and the complexities of relationships is something that readers of any generation can appreciate.
Despite being set in a specific time and place, the novel’s themes are universal. The novel’s protagonist, Henry Scobie, is a flawed and complex character who struggles with his own morality and the choices he makes. His struggles are ones that many readers can relate to, making the novel’s themes even more impactful.
The Heart of the Matter is a novel that rewards careful reading and reflection. Its allegorical nature means that there are many layers to the story, and readers can discover new insights with each reading. The novel’s exploration of the human condition and the consequences of our choices is something that will continue to be relevant for years to come.