Greene, Graham: 1904-1991
The Third Man, 1950 - Information About the Book
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If you’re short on time, the following resources offer valuable insights into the novel and provide a foundation for exploring its central themes. Read/watch them in the order given: Resource Time Focus on The Third Man as a Story and a Film 8–10 min Greene’s own account is the best primary source for understanding why the novella was written and how it relates to the film. Seeing Greene 7–10 min Connects Greene’s writing, Holly Martins, Harry Lime, and the relationship between the novella and Carol Reed’s film. One Story—Two Works of Art 5–7 min Useful for the unusual publication history: Greene’s novella appeared after the film, making this a good resource for understanding the book/film relationship. Information from Wikipedia 5–8 min Quick reference for basic facts, characters, publication history, and the film adaptation. BiblioFreak: Review 8–12 min Brings together plot, themes, historical context, and the relationship with the film.
- General Information
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Good for Discussing:
Post–World War II Moral Uncertainty
Corruption and Chaos of Occupied Vienna
Tension Between Personal Loyalty and Ethical Responsibility - The novel follows Holly Martins, an American writer who arrives in post-war Vienna to visit his childhood friend, Harry Lime, only to learn that Harry has supposedly died. Martins becomes suspicious after learning that a “third man” was present at the time of Harry's death, but faces opposition from British officer Major Calloway and and falling deeply in love with Harry's grief-stricken lover, Anna. See Summary.
- Information from Wikipedia (Good starting point for basic facts, characters, publication history and film information)
- Greene’s experience as an MI6 agent during World War II informed his understanding of intrigue, betrayal, and moral complexity. His experiences in intelligence work likely shaped the character of Harry Lime and the story’s exploration of loyalty versus ethics.
Greene’s relationship with Kim Philby, a British double agent who defected to the Soviet Union, may also have influenced his portrayal of Harry Lime as a charismatic yet morally corrupt figure. This parallel between Lime and Philby reflects Greene’s interest in the tension between personal loyalty and moral responsibility.
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Good for Discussing:
- Facts
The novel was published only after the film’s release: "The novel was a fuller treatment Greene had written for himself and published only after the film came out." (Addresses the unusual relationship between Greene's novella and the film) Darrell Delamaide; September 18, 2013- A classic film noir thriller. Graham Greene stated that it "was never written to be read but only to be seen." Roger Ebert says it is one of the ten best films of all time. The film also features the famous "Harry Lime Theme" played on a zither (see movie).
Kohn, Martin
Excerpted, with permission, from the Literature, Arts, and Medicine Database at New York University School of Medicine, © New York University. - Awards: The novella received no major literary awards.
- The novella explores moral ambiguity, themes of loyalty, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. Martins struggles with his loyalty to Lime and the truth about his friend's criminal activities. In the end, Martins agrees to help lure Lime out of hiding so he can be arrested.
- Despite Greene's claim about it being meant for film, the novel is viewed as an accomplished literary work. Contemporary reviewers suggested the book's reputation might even outlive the film's.
Though not explicitly about espionage, the novel is often associated with spy fiction due to its setting and the backgrounds of those involved in its creation.
There is some debate about how to classify the work—whether as a novel, novella, thriller, or “urban western.”.
Overall, while the film adaptation may be more widely known, the novel The Third Man is generally perceived as a significant work in Greene's oeuvre, appreciated for its storytelling, character development, and vivid portrayal of post-war Vienna.
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- Author
- “The Third Man was never written to be read but only to be seen.” – Greene, from his foreword
- The Third Man as a Story and a Film by Graham Greene. (Primary source by Graham Greene himself, published in 1950) The New York Times; March 19, 1950
- Discussion with Graham Greene about the book. Interviewed by Jack Mangan, 1950 (Greene speaking about the work rather than someone interpreting him)
- Commentary
- Graham Greene’s The Third Man is a masterful exploration of moral ambiguity, loyalty, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of post-war Vienna. The story follows Holly Martins, a naïve American writer, as he investigates the supposed death of his friend Harry Lime, only to uncover Lime’s survival and his involvement in a black-market penicillin racket that caused widespread suffering. The narrative evolves into a moral dilemma for Martins, torn between loyalty to his friend and the need for justice.
The film’s iconic settings—the Ferris wheel and Vienna’s sewers—symbolize the tension between elevated ideals and the grim realities of human corruption. Harry Lime’s cynical worldview, epitomized in his famous Ferris wheel speech about human insignificance, contrasts sharply with Martins’ initial idealism. Ultimately, Martins’ decision to kill Lime reflects the painful loss of innocence and the triumph of conscience over personal loyalty.
Greene’s screenplay, paired with Carol Reed’s direction, creates a visually striking and emotionally resonant thriller that critiques post-war disillusionment while maintaining suspense and moral complexity.
- Articles: General Information | Detailed/Scholarly Information
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- Detailed/Scholarly Information:
- Review: "The review offers a thoughtful, multi‑layered analysis of the novella, linking plot, themes, and historical context while discussing how it relates to the famous film adaptation." (Discusses plot, themes and historical context) Bibliofreak; February 26, 2015
- Seeing Greene: "The review offers a thoughtful, multi‑layered analysis of the novella, linking plot, themes, and historical context while discussing how it relates to the famous film adaptation." (Discusses Greene's writing, Holly Martins, Harry Lime and the relationship between Greene's literary work and the film) The Criterion Channel; May 21, 2007