The Heart of the Matter is a novel written by Graham Greene in 1948. It tells the story of a man named Scobie, a police officer working in West Africa, who is struggling with his own sense of morality and the demands of his job. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the sacrifices that one makes for the greater good.
At the heart of the matter, Scobie is torn between his duty to his job and his love for his wife, Louise. As a police officer, Scobie is expected to uphold the law and maintain order in the colony. However, his personal feelings for Louise often conflict with this duty. For example, when Louise asks him to cover up her infidelity, Scobie is faced with the difficult decision of whether to betray his duty as a police officer or betray his wife's trust.
Scobie's internal struggle is further complicated by his own sense of morality. As a devout Catholic, Scobie believes in the importance of honesty and integrity. He is deeply troubled by the thought of lying or breaking the law, even if it is for the sake of someone he loves. This conflict is exemplified in his relationship with his friend, Wilson, who represents the more traditional, uncompromising view of morality. Wilson's steadfast adherence to the letter of the law serves as a contrast to Scobie's more nuanced approach to ethics.
Ultimately, Scobie is forced to make a sacrifice for the greater good. When he learns that Wilson is planning to use his position as a police officer to cover up a crime, Scobie is faced with the decision of whether to betray his friend or allow the injustice to occur. In the end, he chooses to reveal the truth, even though it means sacrificing his own reputation and relationships.
In The Heart of the Matter, Greene uses the character of Scobie to explore the complexities of morality and the sacrifices that one must make in the pursuit of the greater good. Through his internal struggle and ultimate decision, Scobie demonstrates the importance of staying true to one's values, even in the face of difficult choices.
The Heart of the Matter Analysis
Nate has been beating his wife since he returned from Iraq. Wilson notices that the descriptions of sleeplessness and pain are written later in a different color ink and points out the inconsistencies to Louise. Lastly, when Nate was being aggressive towards his wife Lauren, she reported him to the police. He tells Yusef that he is worried about Ali's loyalty and wonders what he might know. He rejects this voice and takes the pills. Forgiveness, forgiveness, baby, Forgiveness, forgiveness.
The Heart of the Matter Quotes and Analysis
Buy Study Guide Summary: Scobie heads toward the Nissen huts. When they return there is a police car waiting out front. Did Scobie eventually go to Hell for his sins, or, as Father Rank gently suggests, did God see into Scobie's heart and offer him salvation on account of his faith and love? The sense of futility that hangs over most over the book is quite manifest here — there is no point in confession, mass, praying, etc. They converse for a few minutes. GradeSaver, 17 June 2014 Web. Charlie is guilty for Helen's death, and he is also innocent at the same time because it was not his fault that she died. Harris suddenly feels embarrassed about the letter he has written to the Downhamian Association, especially when Wilson offhandedly says they just reach out to alumni to raise money.
The Heart of the Matter Book Three, Parts Two and Three Summary and Analysis
But I miss you sometimes. Scobie befriends one of the survivors, a young woman named Scobie and Helen's relationship becomes predictably quotidian; she claims that he does not love her and is using his Catholicism to avoid divorcing his wife. In this quote Nick is deciding if he should eat dinner with Valerie, which he ends up doing even though his Forged By Fire Theme 1371 Words 6 Pages For example, on page 152, Monique thinks that her children are dead in the fire. In a novel that takes religion so seriously, it is interesting to see how Greene depicts the main priest, Father Rank. He enjoys his job, but Louise is frustrated when he is passed over for the Commissioner's position because of unproven rumors about infidelity and corruption. How could Scobie have loved God if he violated His laws? Minor characters and the setting are also discussed.
The Heart of The Matter
Nobody here could ever talk about a heaven on earth. While he decides to follow through only after his encounter with Helen on the road, the idea has clearly been germinating in his mind for a long time. Yusef, in particular, is always honest and never bothers to conceal his ambitions or machinations. GradeSaver, 17 June 2014 Web. He resignedly agrees but avoids going to church for a while due to his guilt over his indiscretions. Analysis Greene provides a great deal of insight into Wilson's character in this section. Likewise, Helen Rolt, a freshly widowed woman rescued after her ship is torpedoed by Germans during her honeymoon, occupies one.
“ The Heart Of The Matter”
He has a chance encounter with Helen, who has largely left him alone since Louise returned. The next day,Wilson summons Yusuf's boy to his U. This second voice asks Scobie to trust Him and ask for repentance. For him, manhood is inextricably linked to his sense of responsibility, and when he is not able to secure Louise's happiness he feels a profound sense of inadequacy. Scobie believes that he and God are at an impasse, and Scobie cannot keep insulting God at his own altar. Virtue, the good life, tempted him in the dark like a sin.
Heart of the Matter Summary and Analysis (like SparkNotes)
The novel explores themes of pity, suffering, religion, and responsibility. Full Book Notes and Study Guides Sites like SparkNotes with a Heart of the Matter study guide or cliff notes. It seems a young deputy commissioner, Scobie departs. Louise as being too good for Scobie, not the other way around. New York: Chelsea House, 1987. The diary entries prove to be perfect.
