그레엄 그린의 신앙여정: 『권력과 영광』, 『키호테 대사제』를 중심으로

Abstract

In The Power and the Glory(1940) and Monsignor Quixote(1982), Greene deals with priests who have personal flaws and have been criticized by others. But their religious beliefs are devout enough to carry out their duties faithfully as priests. Whisky priest, although he wishes to escape to a safe place or be arrested to end his miserable situation, always performs his duties of visiting individuals who need his services. Even if he was regarded as an insane person, Quixote priest holds a mass in his comatose state. However, their environments are completely opposite. Whisky priest runs away from the lieutenant's chase in Mexico. His condition is so horrible that he fights a dog for a bone to satisfy his hunger. Also he has to endure the fact that people who provide him with shelter are executed by the lieutenant's police. On the other hand, Quixote priest sets out on a journey to several scenic places in Spain that leads to various unforeseen happenings. This circumstance agitates the bishop, who then deprives him of his right to serve the mass. Each priest has relation with the communist as his enemy or friend. In The Power and the Glory, Greene contends that communism destroys humanism in spite of its ideal slogans or claims for justice. Though the lieutenant partly understands the priest's integrity, and the priest regards the lieutenant as a good man, the priest is executed by the lieutenant in adherence to communistic policies. In Monsignor Quixote, the priest, and ex-mayor who is a communist, exchange opinions about their beliefs. Through this interchange, they have come to share friendships and respect for each other. Finally the ex-mayor participates in the mass. In The Power and the Glory, Greene expresses hatred against communism. He sympathizes with glorious religion, but opposes to the power of communistic ideals. With a passing of time, however, Greene's perspective with regards to communistic ideology has broadened. He comes to assess its merits and faults. In Monsignor Quixote, Greene turns his criticisms toward the corruption of the Catholic church itself. Also Greene in his old age shows that he becomes lenient with his views. Although some changes have occurred, protagonists of both novels are sincere in their beliefs. With Greene's trustworthy portrayal of faith in each character, readers are moved to have opportunities to meditate on religion seriously.