Burnt Out Case discussion

I was personally very impressed with the way Greene deals with spiritual problems that are at the heart of human enquiry. I feel that Querry is essentially an ironic character. He is certainly not the atheist he claims to be. His stance of a non-believer is a matter of much concern to him. When he narrates the so called story of his own life to Marie we find that he looks back at his own atheistic stance with a kind of deep remorse. Morever toward the end of the novel Dr.Colin points out to him that his problem is that he would not leave religion alone. He is too deeply concerned with the fact that he is a non-believer which in fact shows him to be a believer.

Morever it is people like Father Thomas and Rycker who are the false propagates of religion. Rycker uses religion as a cover for his sexual desires whereas Querry admits he is burnt out.Father Thomas again uses religion for his own ambitious ends whereas Querry has simply washed his hands off a very coveted position of fame for the sake of finding peace. Querry is a person who has accepted himself as he is and therefore he is a threat to men like Father Thomas and Rycker. This explains why Rycker shoots him at the end.Greene is a wonderful writer and the fact that he appeals to problems that are the root of human existence makes him even more endearing.

Your character and plot analysis of this incredible novel - its layered metaphors, its humour, its fearless efforts to convey the reality of spiritual struggle - is very interesting. Of Greene's overall work, I can't decide whether this, The Power and the Glory, or The Heart of the Matter is my favourite. What about you?

Thank you :) i personally love The Burnt out case. I liked The Heart of the Matter too..but somehow the character of Colin and Querry in Burnt out case impressed me more. Colin especially is a man of character. He has completely dedicated his life to Africa. I mean, which man in a developed country with a degree in medicine would do that unless driven by a deep need to find meaning through service? Though he does not believe in God, i feel he is good at heart. Querry too is deep. The hero of Heart of the Matter is too weak i feel..what is your opinion?

This was a great book, and Greene one of the great novelists of the last century. Power and the Glory might be his best, and it's a better one to read when you're young (I had to read it in high school). But in middle-age, give me Burnt Out Case. I read it as a cautionary tale, infused with religion, of course, and the contrast between the doctor and people like Fr Thomas was obviously a strong statement about true religion. I also liked Heart of the Matter, too, though the depth of meaning was somewhat lacking in that one. If you like Greene, you'd probably like J.F. Powers, too.

Deepa wrote: "
I was personally very impressed with the way Greene deals with spiritual problems that are at the heart of human enquiry. I feel that Querry is essentially an ironic character. He is certainly not..."

I love this book and agree entirely with your analysis.