The Heart of the Matter Lesson Plan

Why does Scobie write Helen a letter that will surely be discovered? Is he being self destructive or foolish?

The reason behind Scobie's letter to Helen is a great mystery. Does he want to be detected? He is, after all, a police chief. He, of all people, would understand the importance of material evidence. However, he feels compelled to prove his love to Helen, even at risk of his soul.

Alternatively, Scobie's letter exists because Greene needed to create a piece of evidence with which Yusef could blackmail him. Sometimes, even the most skillful authors need to push their plot along.

What do the students think? Is Scobie foolhardy, madly in love, or the victim of his own...