Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene

Graham Greene's "The Heart of the Matter" is a novel that is a true masterpiece of literature. The book is set in West Africa during World War II and follows the story of Henry Scobie, a British colonial police officer who is torn between his love for his wife, Louise, and his duty to his job and his country.

The book is divided into three parts, each of which is further subdivided into chapters, and the plot is developed through a series of flashbacks, reflections, and dialogue. The first part, "Book One: The Major," introduces Scobie as a man torn between his love for his wife and his sense of duty. Scobie is a devout Catholic who finds himself in a moral dilemma when he embarks on an affair with a young widow, Helen Rolt, while his wife is away.

Part two of the novel, "Book Two: The Station," picks up from where the first part left off and follows Scobie's descent into a world of deceit and betrayal. Scobie's affair with Helen is discovered, and he is forced to choose between confessing his sins to his wife or taking drastic measures to keep the affair a secret. The plot thickens when Scobie is asked to facilitate the escape of a notorious criminal, Yusef, from the colony, and he finds himself in a dangerous game of politics and espionage.

The final part of the novel, "Book Three: The Trader," is where the plot reaches its climax and resolution. Scobie's world crumbles around him as he realizes the gravity of his sins, his loss of faith, and his inability to redeem himself. The final chapters of the book are a poignant and powerful portrayal of the human condition, as Scobie comes face to face with his own mortality and the consequences of his actions.

Throughout the book, Greene skillfully weaves together themes of love, guilt, faith, and morality, creating a rich tapestry of characters and relationships. The author portrays the complexity of human emotions and relationships in a way that is both realistic and gripping.

The character of Henry Scobie is a fascinating one, and his inner turmoil is masterfully portrayed by Greene. Scobie's struggle with his conscience, faith, and sense of duty is one that is relatable to many readers. The character is multifaceted, and the reader is given a glimpse into his psyche and his motivations.

The setting of the book is also a key element of the novel. The author's portrayal of West Africa during World War II is vivid and realistic. The reader is transported to a different time and place, and the author's attention to detail is impressive.

Overall, "The Heart of the Matter" is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the complexities of the human heart and the moral dilemmas that arise in our lives. The novel is a profound meditation on the nature of human existence and the choices we make. Graham Greene's mastery of his craft is evident in every page of this exceptional work of literature.

So, if you are looking for a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue that also delves deep into the human psyche, then "The Heart of the Matter" is the book for you. It is a work that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.