Patriotism

Le Carré suggests that patriotism can warp perceptions of morality through Nat’s characterization. Nat begins the novel as a true patriot, nothing his love of “the Queen, country, and service” (26). Nat associates patriotism with his work in the service, believing his work as an agent runner benefits all of England. Nat feels national pride and pride in his work. However, a few questions from Steff dismantle Nat’s claims that he is serving England. Steff criticizes Nat, demanding, “for the sake of a country that you have serious reservations about, even very serious, you persuade other national to betray their own countries” (35). Nat claims he is “on the right side” of the conflicts across countries and agents (35). Nat’s early patriotism reflects a flawed belief in the superiority of England in comparison to other countries which is disproven by the end of the novel.

All...