Graham Greene seems like "my" kind of writer: he touches upon important issues in such an eloquent way, hinting upon the message, opening so many perspectives to view the issue from.
Through Fawler, Greene condemns the American involvement into Asian affairs. Although sarcastic and even sour at first, deep down his character longs for love, for peace and for quiet. As opposed to him is idealistic, “innocent” Pyle, who believes in York Harding, democracy and a bright future for the people. He is the kind of a guy who always does the right thing, but what are the consequences of these “rightful” actions?
"God save us always,' I said 'from the innocent and the good.'
“That was my first instinct -- to protect him. It never occurred to me that there was a greater need to protect myself. Innocence always calls mutely for protection when we would be so much wiser to guard ourselves against it: innocence is like a dumb leper who has lost his bell, wandering the world, meaning no harm.”
"Do you think they know they are fighting for Democracy? We ought to have York Harding here to explain it to them.”
“Sooner or later...one has to take sides. If one is to remain human.”
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