Our Man in Havana Second Post

pages read: 99-(closest chapter around 100 pages in length) ~ 200ish
In my earlier post, I established the fact that Our Man in Havana, written by Graham Greene, is BOTH 
popular fiction and literary fiction. This statement means that the novel is character focused as well as plot focused and since the characters feelings influence the action of the novel, it's no surprise that this novel exists as both types of fiction. Last week I had analysed the main character Wormold, and explored in depth the meaning of his character and how it influences his choices surrounding his daughter, Milly, and close friend Dr. Hasselbacher. In more simpler terms, I analysed the literary fiction aspect. This week I am taking time to really shed light on the plot of the novel. First, this novel is an espionage thriller, so at some points in hard to develop the action in the story. Multiple characters work against and with each other at different times, and to understand the story you have to understand how these character relationships change according to new events unfolding. At the stop of page 99 or around that area, Wormold had started falsifying reports to his superiors in London. He was given an assignment to uncover intelligence in Cuba. The fact that this novel written around the time where Cuba became a huge international concern only heightens the hastiness of the action in the novel. As soon as Wormold is given the assignment, he is clueless on how to perform it. Although given certain instructions, he is still adamant about the entire operation. He sends requests for  money, and even has the good graces to cut his assistant manager in on the deal. Soon he starts adding 20 pasos to his salary(granted that 20 pasos in that time is a life sustaining salary). But he [Wormold] does not even attempt to gather information. He starts sending false reports about factories in the mountains and the plains and about all the new sketchy people he has made contact with at his local country club( one of the perks he got when he assumed the job). This is all fine for a great summary of the story, but what is a critical analysis without analysis? And what is analysis without questions? One of my questions is simply why? Why does Wormold choose to falsify these reports, just to humor his superiors in London, or does he have some alternate motive? One of my conclusions is that, living a life in Cuba is difficult. And since Cuba has become the target of high international scrutiny, he is trying to make enough money to keep his family alive and his business afloat. But soon things turn for the worst when these reports start coming true!- but thats for a later post when I am done with the novel. One of the things I would like to point out is the way that Wormold communicates with London. They use a simple book code( something I cannot even begin to explain). But the book code isn't important. It is the BOOK that they use. They use a copy of Charles Lamb's Tales of Shakespeare. When I first read this part my curiosity was peaked as to why this is the book they use. Wormold mentions that he had read it before and that it was not of particular interest to him. However, that does not stop me from questioning Graham's reasoning for choosing this specific author and title and the source of important communication. My conclusions to this important fact will also be revealed in my next post which will also serve to illuminate the final truths about the characters and final moments in the falling action and I will eventually analyse the resolution of the novel and how it all ends. Until next time. This is Stephen Colbert Jr. Signing off.