Greene, Graham: 1904-1991

The Quiet American, 1955 - Thematic Parallels: Idealism vs. Realism

Greene, Graham: The Quiet American, 1955
This novel shows the clash between the naïve, idealistic American (Alden Pyle) and the cynical, world-weary British journalist (Thomas Fowler).
The following books are thematically similar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Boyle, T.C.: The Tortilla Curtain, 1995, ~350pp
  This novel addresses issues of immigration, cultural conflict, and socio-political tension akin to the colonial and imperialist themes in "The Quiet American."
  Both novels use cross-cultural encounters to highlight misunderstandings, stereotypes, and the limits of empathy. They how well-meaning but naïve idealism can be dangerous when it ignores reality and complexity.
- Hosseini, Khaled: The Kite Runner, 2003, ~340pp
  A novel about Afghanistan that involves political upheaval, war, and complex human relationships, which can be thematically adjacent to Greene’s exploration of Vietnam.
  Both novels weave intimate human dramas into the larger sweep of political upheaval, showing how history disrupts personal lives and moral choices. Both protagonists are morally flawed, act out of self-interest, and grapple with guilt for years—forcing readers to question the nature of “doing the right thing.”
- Moore, Brian: Lies of Silence, 1990, ~210pp
  This novel focuses on political violence and moral dilemma in Northern Ireland, exploring issues of personal responsibility, betrayal, and the impact of conflict on civilians.
  Both novels use real-world political turmoil not just as scenery, but as an active force shaping moral choices, relationships, and identity. The conflicts are never just “background” — they drive the plot. Both authors use the protagonist’s semi-detached viewpoint to highlight the absurdities, hypocrisies, and tragedies of political violence.
- Sillitoe, Alan: The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner, 1959, ~170pp
  This novel explores themes of individualism and class conflict post-WWII, which may resonate with some thematic elements of alienation and societal critique in Greene’s novel.
  "The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner" and "The Quiet American" both present deeply skeptical views of authority, idealism, and institutional control. Through alienated protagonists, acts of rebellion, and reflections on moral ambiguity, both works confront the individual’s struggle against larger societal forces, offering a powerful critique of their respective contexts: post-war Britain and colonial/imperial Vietnam.
List of general discussion questions on Idealism vs. Realism (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Idealism vs. Realism (pdf)