Appeal for Christian Humanism in Graham Greene's The Honorary Consul
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Department of English
Abstract
The present research work makes an intensive study of Graham Greene's
novelThe Honorary Consuland attempts to show appeal for Christian humanism
in the novel. It tries to exhibit struggle for freedom from cruel and inhuman
behaviours of dictators and unholy practices and torn out belief of Church
authority. Father Leon Rivas, the protagonist, neither supports doctrines or
institutions bereft of religious feelings and practices nor does he surrender to the
dictators. He rather suffers and sacrifices his life for the sake of the freedom of
the downtrodden and for the spiritual regeneration of all human beings in
general. By making his protagonist renounce the lofty position of priesthood
conferred by a Church devoid of genuine spiritual practices, fight against the
dictatorial secular power and work incessantly for the welfare of common
humanity, Graham Greene shows his empathy with the sufferings of the victims
of Church and state and foregrounds his humanistic feelings. Although, Greene
seriously exhibits concerns other than humanistic ones at places, the novel
mainly dealswith his humanistic interest. By opposing and criticizing corruption
and oppression, and highlighting the freedom and dignity of life. Graham Greene
appeals for Christian humanism in the novel. ThusThe Honorary Consul
highlights humanistic rather than political or religious dimension of the author.