The article addresses the theme of unorthodox saints in Graham Greene’s
novels – Brighton Rock and The Power and the Glory and also deals with the
author’s attitude to religious problems, particularly his views on salvation and
damnation. There is also a discussion of the question whether the title of “a Catholic
writer” has been rightly used in Greene’s case.
The first part of the paper presents the character of the whisky-priest from
The Power and the Glory. Particular attention has been paid to the author’s use of
two perspectives upon the figure of the priest: one shows the character in his mundane
existence, with all his human weaknesses and vices, whereas the other view
stresses the character’s moral and religious superiority which testifies to his sainthood.
This point is argued with numerous references to the Bible and to the philosophy
of Charles Peguy which underline the martyrdom of the sinful priest and his
similarity to Jesus Christ.
The second part of the article focuses on the figure of Rose from Brighton
Rock, highlighting a contrast between the weakness of her character and the
strength of her convictions. The fact that she is torn between good and evil has been
pointed out as well as the power of her feelings which is the reason of both her fall
and her salvation. Similarly to the analysis of The Power and the Glory, references
to the Bible and to Peguy’s philosophy have been used in order to underline Rose’s
motivation which was rooted in her love of God. The final part of the article presents similarities between the two characters;
what they have in common is both a human, sinful nature as well as the ability to
offer superhuman love and self-sacrifice. The conclusion of the article underlines
the fact that although both characters have sometimes acted in the ways questioning
the principles of faith and the teaching of the Church, they can be perceived as
saints because of the superiority of their morality with regard to their love of God
and love of their neighbours whose good they put above their own.
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