Graham Greene's The Heart of the Matter is praised for its deep exploration of moral complexities and human frailty. Critics highlight Greene's skillful character development and poignant narrative. However, some find the plot pacing uneven and the tone overly somber. Overall, the novel is lauded for its profound psychological and existential insights.

Readers who enjoy The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene are typically drawn to morally complex narratives and deep character studies. Comparable to Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, this audience appreciates themes of guilt, redemption, and the human psyche intertwined with religious and existential undertones.

In The Heart of the Matter, Henry Scobie, a police officer in a British West African colony during World War II, grapples with a profound moral crisis amidst a failing marriage to his devout Catholic wife, Louise, and an adulterous relationship with the young widow Helen Rolt. Scobie’s internal conflict intensifies as he becomes entangled in shady dealings with a smuggler named Yusef. Topics include adultery and suicidal ideation.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Dark / Emotional / Mysterious

- The Heart of the Matter is part of Graham Greene's self-described "Catholic novels," which delve into themes of faith, sin, and redemption, reflecting his own religious beliefs and struggles with Catholicism.
- The novel was inspired by Greene's own experiences working for the British Secret Intelligence Service in Sierra Leone during World War II, infusing the narrative with an authentic sense of place and atmosphere.
- The book was recognized in Time magazine's list of the 100 best English-language novels published since 1923, highlighting its lasting impact and literary significance.

**Henry Scobie**  
Major Scobie is a colonial police officer tasked with inspecting boats for contraband and grapples with complex personal and moral dilemmas. He is caught between his duties and personal challenges, often juggling his sense of responsibility and inner turmoil.

**Louise Scobie**  
Louise is Henry Scobie's wife, who is devoutly religious and has a strong interest in literature and poetry. She is pragmatic and struggles with unhappiness in her colonial surroundings while trying to maintain her marriage.

**Edward Wilson**  
Wilson is a British counterintelligence agent focused on observing the security administration and Scobie. He has literary interests and romantic ideals, but his lack of confidence and practical sense lead to complex personal entanglements. 

**Father Rank**  
Father Rank is an eccentric and talkative priest with great insight into human nature. Despite his role within the Church, he often presents unorthodox views that question institutional religious doctrines.

**Helen Rolt**  
Helen is a young shipwreck survivor and widow with practical concerns about her future. She becomes involved with Scobie and navigates her relationships with youthful recklessness and a lack of religious conviction.

**Yusef**  
Yusef is a Syrian involved in the colony's black market, known for his business dealings and lack of remorse for his actions. His relationship with Scobie becomes increasingly complex as the story unfolds.

Graham Greene

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Heart of the Matter reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Heart of the Matter | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Heart of the Matter and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Heart of the Matter Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1, Part 1

The Heart of the Matter Book 1, Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Part 2

The Heart of the Matter Book 1, Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Part 3

The Heart of the Matter Book 1, Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Part 1

The Heart of the Matter Book 2, Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Parts 2-3

The Heart of the Matter Book 2, Parts 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Part 1

The Heart of the Matter Book 3, Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Parts 2-3

The Heart of the Matter Book 3, Parts 2-3 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Heart of the Matter Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Heart of the Matter Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Heart of the Matter Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Heart of the Matter Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Heart of the Matter Essay Topics

The Heart of the Matter

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Heart of the Matter?

Reading Age

Book Details