Selfishness In Graham Greene's The Quite American

Selfishness is defined as a person who only cares for themselves and ignores the thoughts, feelings, or needs of others. Graham Greene manifests two different types of Thomas Fowler in the “The Quite American”: a war spectator Fowler in the beginning and war active Fowler at the end of the novel. Fowler is a British journalist that reports the war in Vietnam. It is in Vietnam, where he meets Phuong, a beautiful and relatively young Vietnamese girl who becomes his new lover in his life. After Pyle, an American who operates in the American Economic Aid Mission, encounters and dances with Phuong he confesses to Fowler about his profound love and desire to stay with her. Eventually the author lets the reader know about Fowler partial selfishness, jealously and perspective about the war, which is drastically affecting the innocent Vietnamese residents. Fowler faces many obstacles throughout the novel, but he is willing to do anything to overcome the barriers. His desperation and great will to stay with Phuong will push him to “choose a side” and to take a role in unanticipated events. Fowler motives were partially selfish because he felt challenged by Pyle and was determined to stay with Phuong for his entire life. Fowler noticed a major difference in Pyle compare to typical Americans, …show more content…
However, Fowler shows an astonishing altruistic act by offering Pyle “a lift “(81 Greene) to the next town. During the ride Fowler’s car runs out of gas and they refuge in a tower where they learn to cooperate with each other to survive. The author shows Pyle compassionate side by offer Fowler a hand after breaking a leg, however Flower refuses his help, “ Go away, Pyle .I don’t want to, … [Pyle] crept round to my side and hoisted my arm over his shoulder …’God Damn you, Pyle , leave me alone. I want to stay” (100, 101 Greene). Fowler detests the fact that he was saved by his