Between Form and Faith: Graham Greene and the Catholic Novel

This book explores Graham Greene's fiction through the lens of secularism and religion, challenging traditional distinctions and offering fresh insights into his nonfiction. It portrays Greene as a complex and inviting literary figure.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: Fordham University Press

This book offers a groundbreaking analysis of Graham Greene's fiction, delving into its intricate form and content while exploring the profound oppositions between secularism and religion. Author Sampson challenges these established distinctions, arguing that Greene possesses a significant and innovative contribution to offer to the methodological premises of literary analysis. The study is complemented by insightful chapters on Greene's four "Catholic" novels and two of his "post-Catholic" novels, providing fresh perspectives on the critical importance of his nonfiction. Through meticulous exploration, the book paints a captivating and intricate portrait of a literary figure that is both inviting and perplexingly complex.

Introduction:
Graham Greene, a renowned British novelist, has left an indelible mark on the literary world with his captivating stories and profound insights. His novels, characterized by their exploration of moral dilemmas and the human condition, have resonated with readers across generations. In this book, we will delve into the unique genre of "Catholic" novels, which have played a significant role in Greene's literary oeuvre.

Secularism and Religion in Graham Greene's Fiction:
Greene's Catholic novels are deeply rooted in the religious and moral dilemmas of his characters. They often depict the struggles of individuals caught between their faith and the secular world, navigating the complexities of morality and spirituality. These novels explore themes such as guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning in life.

Sampson's Approach:
Author Sampson takes a fresh and innovative approach to analyzing Greene's fiction. He challenges the traditional distinctions between secularism and religion, arguing that Greene's novels transcend these boundaries. Sampson explores how Greene uses religious symbolism, themes, and characters to convey his messages and explore the human condition.

Chapters on "Catholic" Novels:
The book includes comprehensive chapters on Greene's four "Catholic" novels: "The Power and the Glory," "The Heart of the Matter," "The End of the Affair," and "The Quiet American." These novels are characterized by their exploration of Catholicism and its influence on the lives of the characters. Sampson provides detailed analysis of the characters, themes, and religious symbolism in these novels, shedding light on Greene's portrayal of the Catholic Church and its role in shaping the characters' moral choices.

Post-Catholic Novels:
In addition to his "Catholic" novels, Greene also wrote two "post-Catholic" novels: "The Third Man" and "The Honorary Consul." These novels explore different aspects of morality and spirituality, moving away from the explicitly Catholic themes of his earlier works. Sampson discusses how these novels continue Greene's exploration of the human condition and his search for meaning in life.

The Critical Importance of Nonfiction:
The study also highlights the critical importance of Greene's nonfiction in understanding his literary career. Sampson explores how Greene's nonfiction writings, such as his essays and travel memoirs, contribute to his understanding of religion, morality, and the human condition. He discusses how Greene's nonfiction influences his fiction and how his literary vision is shaped by his personal experiences and beliefs.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Graham Greene's fiction. It delves into the profound oppositions between secularism and religion, challenging traditional distinctions and highlighting the innovative contributions of Greene to literary analysis. Through detailed chapters on his "Catholic" and "post-Catholic" novels, as well as his nonfiction, the study paints a captivating portrait of a literary figure who is both inviting and perplexingly complex. Graham Greene's fiction continues to resonate with readers, offering profound insights into the human condition and the complexities of morality.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780823294664