Morality And Its Surrounding Issues In The Heart Of The Matter
In the novel, The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene, the center of the book does not focus so much on the plot, but rather focuses on the characters. The more intense focus of the characters allows the reader to view each character more closely and place what is going on into the background. Furthermore, by investigating each character, it makes the reader understand and get a better sense of them. My judgements of the characters in The Heart of the Matter are ranked from the most admirable to the most reprehensible, in order of conduct. The order of the characters: Louise, Scobie, Wilson, and Helen. How I judge these characters comes from a universal code of conduct found in the Bible: The Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:6-21).
Throughout the novel, the most moral of all the characters is undoubtedly Louise. This is clearly present to anyone because she committed very few acts that were morally unacceptable. Louise showed a great deal of affection towards her husband. In a conversation with Wilson, Louise explains the name, "Ticki", that she calls her husband, even though she knows that he does not like it whatsoever. "Poor Henry, How he hates it. I try not to when other people are there but I forgetÂ…" (75) This tells how much of a habit Louise has calling her husband "Ticki". Besides from a sign of affection, Louise uses it to get what she wants. "Ticki, I can't bear it any longer here." (43)
Earlier in the novel, Louise wants to get away from her life because she can't take living the way she is anymore. As a plea towards her husband, she suggests an idea, an idea that will later haunt Scobie: "I could go to South Africa and wait until you have leave. Ticki, you'll be retiring soon. I'll get a home ready for you, Ticki." (43)
Louise was a faithful wife who never loved anyone else but Henry. She remained faithful to him when Wilson made a pass at her, telling him to "Keep still. I don't love you. I love...
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