Aulden Pyle believes that we should get involved to help spread democracy and improve the impoverished lives of others;
Specifically, he has lofty ideals about democracy and believes that it is important to “win the East for democracy” and pursue York Harding’s “third wave”.
Pyle thinks that Vietnam is desperate for America’s intervention and protection, without which it would not survive. He believes that because they are supporting certain Generals then they ought to have their loyalty.
But the Generals are self-interested, self-serving and opportunistic looking after their own and Vietnam’s interest before that of foreign powers. Fowler comments that he was “impregnably armoured by his good intentions and his ignorance” (155)
Fowler
Fowler believes that one should not get involved; because it can inflame the situation; it can lead to indiscriminate violence and unintended consequences
Greene undermines this attitude by revealing Fowler as a self indulgent opium smoker who seeks Phuong for his own solace ; Fowler is deceptive with regards to his wife… ulterior motives.
Greene initially appears to support Fowler’s initial stance that it is important not to meddle in another country’s political conflict because it can inflame the conflict in unforeseen ways.. Initially Fowler prides himself on his observer status: Fowler stresses that he is merely a reporter who “writes what he sees.” In addition, his stance reflects his ethical position and his belief of self-determination. He believes that America should not be dictating its priorities to Vietnam, however well-intentioned these may be. He firmly believes that, “”they don’t want our white skins around telling them what they want” (86) Fundamentally, the Vietnamese want a sustainable standard of living; they want rice not violence; they do not want to be “shot at”. (86) Fowler does not believe in “isms and ocracies”. He does not believe in grand concepts. Rather, he believes in basic human rights for people – the freedom to live in peace, and the rights to shelter and food. Pyle is typical of the colonial administrators and the warring leaders who believe that they are fighting for a good cause. Fowler just wants to see that people are happy. “I’d like to see those two poor buggers there to be happy – that’s all.” He believes that they should have the right to live without fear. (They want rice; the don’t want to be shot at.”)
Fowler’s views on getting involved
Fowler – one has to get involved and take a stance, especially if one is human (General Heng); one must be bothered by the suffering of others; stop indiscriminate violence;
Conflict may reinforce our values; it may also challenge our beliefs. Whilst Fowler (The Quiet American) is no Dalai Lama or Nelson Mandela, he rises to the challenge when confronted with the carnage in Place de Garnier. Formerly indifferent and convinced that foreign powers should not meddle in the politics of another country, he chooses to betray his friend in order to protect the Vietnamese citizens from further indiscriminate bombings. He comes to understanding the wisdom of General Heng, “to be human one has to take a stance”.
However, Greene ambiguously conceals (and reveals) the aspect of self-interest; Fowler was after all, able to conveniently eliminate his love rival. The victor is desperate to apologise but knows that he never will and is doomed to live with a sense of shame and disappointment. These actions may distance us from rather than helps us reach the “truth”.
Greene contradictorily suggests that Fowler becomes involved as a matter of principle. He protests against the indiscriminate violence after witnessing the bomb in the Place de Garnier. Looking at the woman who sat “on the ground with what was left of her baby in her lap” (154) stirs within him both revulsion and anger. He realizes that when people you have come to care for and love are being killed in front of your eyes, you have to make a commitment. Fowler sacrifices his bi-partisan stance and arranges to have Pyle murdered, an act by which he finally takes a side. Fowler realises that Pyle has “got to be stopped” as he is “very much his own master”. Accordingly, he (contradictorily) supports General Heng’s view “one has to take sides, if one is to remain human”. This also reflect the humanist stance of former Archbishop of S A Desmond Tutu etc… quote
The essence of Fowler’s conflict of conscience is evident in his dilemma. Should he stop Pyle and betray his principles? Fowler has always maintained that countries such as America should not meddle. However, once he witnesses the indiscriminate bombing he finds that he can no longer watch from the sidelines.
At the same time Fowler conveniently eliminates his love rival and he is aware that Pyle’s death will help to secure him Phuong’s ongoing partnership.
Best parallels for Quiet American on involvement and war.
Back to Summary page: conflict