In 'The End of the Party', Graham Greene creates a tense and somewhat melancholy atmosphere. The story often delves into themes of childhood fears and the fragility of life. It shows how children can be acutely aware of the darker aspects of existence even at a young age.
In 'The End of the Party', the key characters are two young boys. The story seems to revolve around their experiences at the party. The sick boy, in particular, brings an element of vulnerability. Their reactions to the party's happenings and to each other help to drive the story forward and convey the deeper themes of the narrative.
One of the key elements in 'Across the Bridge' is the atmosphere. Greene is a master at creating a tense and somewhat claustrophobic mood. The bridge itself could be seen as a metaphor for the divide between different worlds or states of being. The protagonist's journey across it is not just a physical one but also an emotional and psychological journey.
The plot of this short story by Graham Greene could potentially involve a freak accident that occurs out of the blue and throws everything into chaos. It might delve into the mystery surrounding the accident, the relationships affected by it, and the search for answers or resolutions.
Well, one characteristic is his deep exploration of moral ambiguity. In his short stories, characters often face complex ethical dilemmas. For example, in some stories, the line between right and wrong is blurred as characters are driven by various motives like love, greed, or survival. Another aspect is his vivid description of different settings. He can transport readers to various places, whether it's a seedy part of a city or a peaceful countryside. His writing style is also quite engaging, with a knack for creating suspense even in short narratives.
One of the main themes is moral ambiguity. In his stories, characters often face complex moral dilemmas where right and wrong are not clearly defined. For example, in some of his works, characters may be forced to make choices between loyalty to a person or an ideology and what society deems as morally correct. Another theme is the exploration of human nature. He delves into the darker aspects of human nature such as greed, envy, and lust. Also, the concept of faith and doubt is prevalent. His characters sometimes struggle with their religious beliefs or lack thereof, which adds depth to their personalities and the overall story.
There's Pinkie in 'Brighton Rock'. He's a really memorable character. He's young and involved in the criminal underworld in Brighton. His cold - hearted and somewhat desperate nature makes him stand out. He's trying to maintain his power and control in a very tough environment. Another is Scobie from 'The Heart of the Matter'. Scobie is a police officer in a colonial setting. His moral struggles, especially in relation to his love life and his sense of duty, are quite profound.
One main theme is isolation. The setting across the bridge seems to isolate the characters. Another is the struggle with identity. Characters are trying to figure out who they are in the context of their situation.
Graham Greene was likely influenced by his travels and encounters in different cultures and countries. This might have shaped his perspectives and themes in his writing.
The story also has themes of class. Mr. Thomas, known as Old Misery, is from an older, perhaps more genteel class. The boys, coming from the working - class rubble of the post - war world, see his house as something to be torn down. This shows the tension between the old and new, the haves and have - nots. Greene's writing style is sparse yet evocative, making the reader feel the desolation of the setting and the motives of the characters.