'Across the Bridge' (1938) by Graham Greene

Graham Greene's short story 'Across the Bridge' was first published in 1938 in a collection titled The Basement Room and Other Stories. It was later included in Greene's 1947 collection Nineteen Stories.

The short story explores themes of identity, guilt, and human morality. It is narrated by a British observer who recounts the downfall of Joseph Calloway, a wealthy and corrupt businessman fleeing the law.

Summary: Joseph Calloway is a dishonest Englishman who embezzled a significant amount of money and escapes to a small Mexican border town. To evade capture, he devises a plan to assume the identity of a man he believes to be dead. However, this man is also a fugitive wanted for a serious crime, which only compounds Calloway’s troubles.

Throughout the story, Calloway is depicted as a cold and selfish man, caring little for those around him. A pivotal element is his relationship with a stray dog, which initially symbolizes his indifference but gradually reveals a more vulnerable side to him. As the authorities close in, Calloway’s arrogance begins to fade, exposing his inner fears.

In the climactic scene, Calloway attempts to cross the bridge into the United States to escape justice. However, his attachment to the stray dog—now his only companion—leads to his capture when he returns to rescue the animal. This ironic twist highlights how an unexpected act of compassion ultimately seals his fate.

Themes: Identity and Deception: Calloway’s attempt to assume a false identity underscores the fragile nature of identity and the impossibility of truly escaping one’s past.

Morality and Guilt: Although Calloway is unrepentant about his crimes, his emotional bond with the dog hints at latent humanity and moral conflict.

Irony of Fate: The story’s central irony lies in how an act of kindness, meant to be redemptive, leads to Calloway’s downfall.

Tone and Style: Greene’s narrative is detached and observational, allowing readers to judge Calloway’s character and actions. The story combines suspense with moral introspection, reflecting Greene’s recurring interest in the complexities of human behavior and justice.