How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #7
York Harding might write in graphic abstractions about the Third Force, but this was what it came down to – this was It. (3.1.2.23)
When Fowler criticizes Harding for writing in abstractions, he means that Harding doesn't report about the world as it actually is. Harding sees only what his philosophy allows him to see. And because his ideas are not based on the real world, applying them to the real world results in disaster.
Quote #8
'We are the old colonial peoples, Pyle, but we've learnt a bit of reality, we've learned not to play with matches. This Third Force – it comes out of a book, that's all. General Thé's only a bandit with a few thousand men: he's not a national democracy.' (3.2.1.39)
There's an innocence to Harding's program, which may be why it so appealed to Pyle.
Quote #9
'Do you expect General Thé to lose his demonstration? This is better than a parade. Women and children are news, and soldiers aren't, in a war. This will hit the world's Press. You've got the Third Force and National Democracy all over your right shoe. Go home to Phuong and tell her about your heroic deed – there are a few dozen less of her people to worry about.' (3.2.2.46)
To Pyle, the general isn't a terrorist. Thé is like a character in a story he writing who will follow the script. When the general goes his own way, Pyle isn't angry. He's confused.