The quiet American by Graham Greene

The Quiet American is a key work by famous British author Graham Greene.

The title character, Alden Pyle, is an idealistic young man working undercover for American intelligence agencies in Vietnam during the last days of the French colonial administration.

However, his interference in local affairs, and agent provocateur role, lead almost inevitably to tragic consequences including his own death.

The narrator, world weary British journalist Thomas Fowler, is simultaneously repelled and attracted to the dangerously 'innocent' Pyle and in a dramatic twist, shares Pyle's obsession with a beautiful Vietnamese girl.

The novel is a clever composite - part thriller, part murder mystery, part love story.

This study guide provides background on the author, and the complex history of Vietnam, before offering a summary and detailed explication of the novel.

It includes thorough notes on characters and themes, as well as critical references and model answers.