The Quiet American Fear Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Section.Paragraph)

Quote #7

I knew I was inventing a character just as much as Pyle was. One never knows another human being; for all I could tell she was as scared as the rest of us: she didn't have the gift of expression, that was all. (2.3.3.54)

For all his claims to the contrary, Fowler doesn't really know Phuong. He can't even tell if she's frightened by the war or the uncertainty of her future. She keeps her worries and fears to herself, and Fowler doesn't argue. These two must make for quite the awkward couple, if you were to ask us.

Quote #8

I had been punished. It was as though Pyle, when he left my flat, had sentenced me to so many weeks of uncertainty. Every time that I returned home it was with the expectation of disaster. (3.1.2.1)

Why does Fowler call this new state of uncertainty a punishment? Does he deserve to be punished for anything? Could it be because uncertainty breeds fear? Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon? Wait—wrong story. Scratch that. Carry on.

Quote #9

Now that Vigot was gone to close his uncompleted file, I wished I had the courage to call him back and say, 'You are right. I did see Pyle the night he died.' (4.1.68)

Fowler has the courage to venture into warzones, but not to admit his role in Pyle's death. Why do you think that is?