Ambiguity In The Quiet American

The story of an innocent murderer tells the tale of a man who truly believed his intentions were good, but as he delved deeper into the hole, he suddenly realized that he had helped kill hundreds. In The Quiet American by Graham Greene, Alden Pyle’s character proves to play a vital role in promoting the central theme of the novel, moral ambiguity. The narrative’s title stays true in describing this young American’s personality as being docile, preserved, introverted, and most of all quiet towards the beginning of the novel. But as time progresses, or rather, regresses as the story is told in a backwards fashion, it becomes apparent that the title of the novel proves ironic to his ambiguous personality. This can be seen through his attempts at stealing Phuong away from Fowler, all the while expressing his guilt and genuine remorse towards his actions. His moral ambiguity can also be seen on his accidental participation in the bombing at the milk fountain. Pyle expresses innocence …show more content…
Innocence is a land of insanity’” (155). Fowler, acting on anger and frustration, provides an explanation on Pyle’s moral ambiguity as he desperately demands to have a meeting with him. He expresses his opinions on Pyle’s ingenious plot to embody innocence, enough so to allow him to complete malicious deeds without blame. This provides a possible theory that helps further identify Pyle’s standpoint and state of mind on his association with the bombing near the milk fountain. Another example of Pyle’s evil intent is shown through Fowler’s rage, “’He sleeps with my girl – your typist’s sister.’ ‘I don’t know what you mean.’ ‘Ask her. She fixed it. Pyle’s taken my girl’” (138). Pyle’s innocence shown through his confession and apology to his friend proves false upon finding out that he had cruelly taken Phuong away from Fowler. The young humanitarian’s façade as the quiet American starts to crumble as his actions start rousing suspicion of his true