Quiet American
The Quiet American, by Graham Greene, personifies the more personal side of the conflict and situation in Vietnam through three main characters--Alden Pyle, Thomas Fowler, and Phuong. Through these three characters, the general feeling of what happened in Vietnam can be felt. Phuong represents the ignorant and luring Vietnam. Alden Pyle represents the innocent and naive America that intervenes within the conflict in order to create a democracy in Vietnam. England at the time was neutral between the sides of the conflict and their view on the situation is embodied through the eyes of Thomas Fowler. Phuong was wanted by both Fowler and Pyle. She was very attractive, but at the same time, ignorant. “Phuong on the other hand was wonderfully ignorant; if Hitler had come into the conversation she would have interrupted to ask who he was” (12). Pyle fell in love with Phuong the night he first danced with her. He was awed by her beauty and wanted to make sure everything was in her best interest. He would think about her all day and most of his thoughts revolved around her. His motives are far different than of Fowler’s. He tells Fowler, “‘I want to protect her’”, but Fowler replies, “‘I don’t. She doesn’t need protection. I want her around, I want her in my bed’” (132).