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Greene actually wrote the book when he was in exile in Mexico due to a libel suite by a young Shirley Temple. Greene wrote an unfavorable review of her performance in a magazine and as a result, faced legal actions. Since the crime was "severe" he was threatened with jail if he was to return to England. As a result, his publisher financed his trip. Most of the characters in PandG are based on real characters who he met when he was there. Please make sure that you research the political background of Mexico during this time before you read tonight. Thank goodness for the internet!
In the late 1930s, Greene was forced to flee from Britain because of his negative review of Shirley Temple (The actress). As a result, he fled to Mexico which had just gone through a period of rule by Northern Mexican cultures such as Obregon and Portes Gil. During one of these power episodes, there was a clash between the government, who were trying to develop the economy and create land reform, and the clergy. This clash was called the Cristero rebellion and the government quashed the fighting Catholics.
ReplyDeleteThis background is important in the first few chapters. First, the boat that is carrying the Ether chamber is called the Obregon. This boat carries significance because it was introduced within the first few pages and because it was the original connection between the Whiskey Priest and Mr. Trench. Second, one of the main plot lines is the cat and mouse game between the government and the catholics or specifically within the book, between the lieutenant and the Whiskey Priest. This game and its potential outcome is very similar to the outcome of the Cristera Rebellion and the fact that the government won against the Catholics.