Henry Graham Greene 

OM CH (2 October 1904 – 3 April 1991), professionally known as Graham

Greene, was an English writer and journalist regarded by many as one of the leading English novelists of the
20th century. Combining literary acclaim with widespread popularity, Greene acquired a reputation early in
his lifetime as a major writer, both of serious Catholic novels, and of thrillers (or "entertainments" as he termed
them). He was shortlisted, in 1966 and 1967, for the Nobel Prize for Literature. Through 67 years of writings,
which included over 25 novels, he explored the ambivalent moral and political issues of the modern world,
often through a Catholic perspective.

This story begins with the narrator mentioning 8 Japanese men in a restaurant. The narrator
describes them, and then he draws our attention to a young girl and a man sitting behind them. They
discuss their upcoming engagement and the girl shares news about the publishing of her first book. Her
fiancé responds skeptically to her remarks, and sometimes contradicts her. She talks about her plans to
publish her next books and says that her publisher praises her writing talent. In his mind the narrator
comments on what is happening. At the end of the dialogue, the young couple leaves. The girl does not
allow her fiancé to pay for it and pays the bill. At the exit, the man wonders why the Japanese are sitting
in the restaurant, but the girl did not even notice them.

The problem raised by the author can refer to the problem of delusion in women's emancipation in
the early 20th century.

The main idea, conveyed by the author, can be defined as follows: in order to be successful in life,
it is important not only to have equal rights, but also to acquire and develop special skills and talent. It
doesn't depend on gender.

The story is narrated in the first person. The narrator is inside the text, and although he does not
interact with the characters, he is part of the setting and plot.

The narrative is interlaced with the narrator's comments based on his own thoughts and
background that serve as a prism for understanding the situation and evaluating the girl's thoughts and
actions. The digressions are descriptive and psychological; they are based on the narrator's life experience
and observations.

The prevailing mood of the story is sarcastic, as the narrator criticizes the girl's viewpoint
throughout the story.