Talk:The Heart of the Matter

Untitled
Scobie's loss of his only child, revealed in a glancing British way, is at the heart of this novel. Scobie, the reliable protector of life, was unable to save his own daughter from death. He seems now unable to bear the possibility of even disappointing anyone who depends on him. His wife, his mistress or even Yoseff. Though the book seems theologically muddled, it testifes to an emotional truth. God puts us in an impossible place when he takes an innocent's life. If we can forgive him that, what might he not forgive us?

Scobie comforts the dying girl
Someone mistakenly changed "One young girl dies as Scobie tries.." to "One young boy dies as Scobie tries.." under the belief that it was vandalism. I would like to point out how important this part is. Scobie was not present for the death of his own daughter, this scene demonstrates that he cannot escape the things he avoids and puts off (Scobie is a great procrastinator) - pain, misery, suffering.

Ali
I was shocked to see that there was no mention of Ali. I have added him to the character list, and tried to make a brief mention about his death. However, I am an infrequent wikipedia user and do not have enough understanding to add more appropriately.

As a literature student I found that Ali was of great importance, especially in the way Scobie thinks of him. Although he is a servant, Scobie has fond memorys of past travels, and Ali has cared for him through sickness. When Ali sees Helen and Scobie together, it is the first time Scobie ever felt shame in front of the boy.

Ali's death is also a rather emotional and revealing scene for Scobie.

Just thought I would mention it in the hope that someone would be able to write more about him.

Apologies
I'm sorry if I have abused the discussion page, normally I only ever read wikipedia, but this time I noticed some large oversights/mistakes, and thought I should correct them. I have seen the discussion paged used in this fashion on other wikis, but I'm not sure if this is appropriate here.

I could add my own analysis of various parts, but a lot of that would be down to personal perceptions, and I'm quite sure that's not what wikipedia is about - designed to provide factual information rather than an individual's criticisms and understandings.


 * Always try to talk - but do add your signature by using ~ the four tildes. :: Kevinalewis  :  (Talk Page) / (Desk)  16:11, 25 April 2006 (UTC)

"The American Way"
In the "Themes" section it says "Truth, Justice, and the American Way" - I was wondering where exactly the American Way comes into this novel? considered it's set in a British colony in Africa...

Fair use rationale for Image:GrahamGreene The HeartOfTheMatter.jpg
Image:GrahamGreene The HeartOfTheMatter.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in Wikipedia articles constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

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Spoiler
It is quite possible to describe and criticise a novel without betraying the plot. It just requires intelligence and care. This article displays neither. I have removed:


 * "Did you know all the time - about her?' Wilson asked. 'It's why I came home. Mrs. Carter wrote to me. She said everybody was talking. Of course he (Scobie) never realized that. He thought he'd been so clever. And he nearly convinced me—that it was finished. Going to communion the way he did."

Replace it if you like. Anthony (talk) 14:02, 12 October 2009 (UTC)

Quote containing title
In the version I am currently reading (Bantam Books, 7th printing) the quote containing the title reads "... if one reaches what they call the heart of the matter?" then the paragraph ends. This wiki includes the word 'No' aftat the end of the quote. Is this from a different version of the novel, or a clerical error on the part of the wiki author? If a few people could check their versions of the novel it would be a help. Many thanks. 220.235.76.246 (talk) 05:49, 6 August 2013 (UTC) - T