In the third chapter of the third part, the lieutenant in Graham Greene’s The Power and the Glory represents a very materialistic reality because his thoughts are trained solely on the material outcomes of his actions. Conversely, the priest represents a reality infused with a deep sense of spirituality because, in everything he does at this point of the novel, he has pure and good intentions. The dichotomy that exists between these two men is reminiscent of the principle enshrined in Solzhenitsyn’s assertion that, under totalitarian regimes, only material results matter. While the lieutenant clearly subscribes to this idea and believes this reality extends to all beings, the priest rejects it in favor of a more spiritual view of the world.
In his view, the lieutenant has succeeded. He has succeeded in capturing the priest for the purposes of bringing him to trial. The lieutenant says, “‘I am not a barbarian. You will be tried…properly” (Greene 192). The presence of the ellipses in this promise renders it null. It is clear that the lieutenant knows that the priest will not be subjected to a fair trial. However, with the main part of his goal accomplished, he sees ultimate success on the horizon. Guided by the teachings of materialism, any means used to realize this success, including the destruction of others’ lives, is justified.
The priest, however, is far more concerned with his spiritual health then with the continuance of his physical body. When the lieutenant asks why the priest will not ask God to intervene and save his life, the priest says that he believes in miracles, “but not for [him]. [He’s] no more good to anyone, so why should God keep [him] alive?” (Greene 201). Although this may strike the lieutenant, or any materialist, as the ramblings of a crazy or suicidal person, it is not. The priest places greater value on spiritualism. Having fulfilled his spiritual purpose on Earth, he sees little reason for God to continue his life. The priest is the personified opposite of the totalitarian principle that only material results matter. It is for this reason that totalitarian regimes seek to snuff out embers of religiosity. If the cogs of a totalitarian regime are unconcerned with their material conditions or their physical survival, they are significantly more difficult to manipulate. This is why Greene sets up this stark juxtaposition.