# Graham Greene

> British writer, playwright and literary critic (1904–1991)

**Wikidata**: [Q128560](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q128560)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_Greene)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/graham-greene-q128560

## Summary
Graham Greene was a British writer, playwright, and literary critic (1904–1991) best known for his novels exploring themes of colonialism, espionage, and moral ambiguity. His most famous works include *The Quiet American* (1955) and *The Third Man* (1950), which were adapted into influential films. Greene was also a journalist and screenwriter, contributing to publications like *The Times* and *Le Figaro*.

## Biography
- Born: 1904 (exact date and place not specified in source material)
- Nationality: British
- Education: Attended Balliol College, University of Oxford (exact degree not specified)
- Known for: Authoring novels, plays, and literary criticism; working as a journalist and screenwriter
- Employer(s): *The Times*, *Le Figaro*, Secret Intelligence Service (MI6)
- Field(s): Literature, journalism, screenwriting

## Contributions
- *A Gun for Sale* (1936): A novel exploring themes of colonialism and political intrigue.
- *The Power and the Glory* (1940): A novel set in Mexico, critiquing religious fanaticism and moral decay.
- *The Third Man* (1950): A novel adapted into the 1949 film starring Orson Welles, which became a classic of film noir.
- *The Quiet American* (1955): A novel about a disillusioned American in Vietnam, adapted into a 1958 film starring Audie Murphy.
- Literary criticism: Wrote reviews and essays for *The Times* and *Le Figaro*, contributing to literary discourse.

## FAQs
- **What were Graham Greene’s most famous works?**
  Greene’s most famous works include *The Quiet American* (1955) and *The Third Man* (1950), both of which were adapted into influential films.

- **Where did Graham Greene work?**
  Greene worked for *The Times* and *Le Figaro* as a journalist, and he was affiliated with the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6).

- **What awards did Graham Greene receive?**
  Greene won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, the Hawthornden Prize, the Shakespeare Prize, the Dos Passos Prize, and the Jerusalem Prize.

- **Was Graham Greene involved in espionage?**
  Greene worked for the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) during World War II, though he later distanced himself from the spy genre in his writing.

## Why They Matter
Graham Greene’s work challenged conventional narratives of colonialism and imperialism, particularly in *The Quiet American*, which critiqued American interventionism in Vietnam. His novels and plays influenced later writers and filmmakers, shaping discussions on morality, power, and identity. Greene’s literary criticism also contributed to the broader field of literary analysis.

## Notable For
- Authored *The Quiet American* (1955), a novel adapted into a 1958 film starring Audie Murphy.
- Wrote *The Third Man* (1950), adapted into the 1949 film starring Orson Welles.
- Won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, Hawthornden Prize, Shakespeare Prize, Dos Passos Prize, and Jerusalem Prize.
- Worked for *The Times* and *Le Figaro* as a journalist.
- Affiliated with the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6).

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Graham Greene was born in 1904. He attended Balliol College, University of Oxford, where he studied literature. His early education laid the foundation for his future career in writing and journalism.

### Career in Journalism
Greene began his career as a journalist, contributing to *The Times* and *Le Figaro*. His work in journalism allowed him to observe and critique societal issues, which later influenced his literary works.

### Literary Works
Greene’s literary career spanned several decades, producing novels, plays, and essays. His most notable works include:
- *A Gun for Sale* (1936): A novel exploring colonialism and political intrigue.
- *The Power and the Glory* (1940): A novel critiquing religious fanaticism and moral decay.
- *The Third Man* (1950): A novel adapted into the 1949 film starring Orson Welles.
- *The Quiet American* (1955): A novel about a disillusioned American in Vietnam, adapted into a 1958 film.

### Screenwriting and Adaptations
Greene adapted several of his novels into screenplays, including *The Third Man* and *The Quiet American*. These adaptations became influential films, shaping the landscape of film noir and political cinema.

### Awards and Recognition
Greene received numerous awards and honors, including:
- James Tait Black Memorial Prize
- Hawthornden Prize
- Shakespeare Prize
- Dos Passos Prize
- Jerusalem Prize

### Influence and Legacy
Greene’s work had a lasting impact on literature and film. His critiques of colonialism and imperialism in *The Quiet American* remain relevant, and his novels continue to be studied and adapted. Greene’s contributions to literary criticism also influenced later generations of writers and critics.

### Affiliations and Collaborations
Greene worked with various literary figures, including Evelyn Waugh, Ford Madox Ford, and François Mauriac. These collaborations enriched his writing and expanded his influence in the literary world.

### Later Life and Distancing from Espionage
After working for the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) during World War II, Greene distanced himself from the spy genre in his later works. He focused instead on exploring moral and philosophical themes in his novels and essays.

## References

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