The Quiet American

After recuperating in a hospital, Fowler returns to his apartment. Phuong helps him inside as he has lost his key. He reads a telegram from his employer telling him that he has a new assignment. He then reads a letter from Helen, in which she describes his tendency to fall in love with women and then abandon them. She criticizes Fowler’s emotional manipulation and asks whether—if she grants him a divorce—he would actually marry Phuong. Helen’s words make Fowler feel “physically sick” (153). He can tell that he has hurt her, and when Phuong asks him what the letter says, he lies. He tells her that Helen has not yet decided about the divorce. Fowler reflects on his ability to emotionally disengage with the world. This has helped him as a war reporter but not in the conflict with the women in his life. As he reads on, he confirms that Helen has denied him the divorce. Fowler does not read the final page of the letter and reiterates to Phuong that Helen is still considering it.

Phuong tries to cheer him up. She adopts an optimistic tone and then prepares his