Morality in Graham Greene's "I Spy"

As World War I raged about Europe, Great Britain took every measure available to ensure the war didn't spread into their own backyard. Their army was doing fine fighting elsewhere in France and Germany, but as William I proved in 1066, when you invade England, it's not the English that win. Britons lived in constant fear of a takeover by the German "huns," and this fear inspired Graham Greene to comment on morality in man in …

…action they are taking. In reality, however, both Charlie and his father took the easy way out in dealing with their problems. Charlie could have simply stood up to his tormenters and defended his right not to smoke, and Mr. Stowes could have refused to become a spy for Germany. Both of these responses could have resulted in serious personal injury, but it should have been a small price to pay for keeping one's honor.