Fighting Evil: Unsung Heroes in the Novels of Graham Greene

What can be learnt from the novels of Graham Greene? This work argues that Greene’s writings have much to teach about fighting evil here and now, and about endeavouring to lead a worthy life. In novels that span half of the 20th century, Greene related stories of evil persons who destroyed the freedom of others and of a few simple people who fought them. Through these stories he demonstrated three basic truths: first, evil exists; second, it is possible to fight it; and third, one may attain wisdom and sometimes a very limited glory by undertaking such a struggle. The study sets forth its own lesson: thinking and assuming responsibility for the world, guided by the reading of great literature, are keystones of any worthy life.