Luncheon

A presentation about the short story The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham.
summary
about the author
theme
explorations

1. The Luncheon By William S omerset M augham

2. About the author William Somerset Maugham(1874- --1965 ), a writer of short stories, novels and plays, was born in Paris on 25 January 1874. P arents died before he was 10, and he went back to England and was educated at King’s School. Some of his famous work include Human Bondage (1915 ) The Moon and Sixpence (1919 ) Cakes and Ale ( 1930) The Razor’s Edge (1944 ) The Circle ( 1921) Our Betters (1923 ) Source : media.gettyimages.com

3. Summary A most delightfully humorous narrative, "The Luncheon" is  a slice of life story  about Maugham's luncheon date proposed to him by a woman whom he hopes is a supporter of his art . Source : emaze.com

4. Point of view The Book Writer’s The story is told through first person narration; the narrator being the writer. “ I caught sight of her at the play."

5. 3 Parts

6. Part I The book writer and the woman meet again after they last saw each other 20 years before, and then he starts to recall the luncheon at that day.  Source : clipartfox.com

7. Part II  Having only communicated with her through the mail, the author is rather surprised to meet a woman of forty who gives him " the impression of having more teeth, white and large and even, than were necessary for any practical purpose .” Since the author has only eighty francs to last him the rest of the month, he is anxious about eating at the restaurant where French senators dine that she suggests. 

8. Part II All the time that she is consuming such rich foods and drink, she scolds Maugham for eating red meat, as he has ordered mutton: " You see, you've filled your stomach with a lot of meat"—my one miserable little chop—"and you can't eat any more. But I've just had a snack and I shall enjoy a peach."

9. Part III At the end, the author explains that he is not a vindictive man, but "when the immortal gods take a hand in the matter, it is pardonable to observe the result with complacency," he remarks. Now this woman, who only eats light lunches and only one thing at a time, "weighs twenty-one stones" (nearly 295 pounds ). BEFORE AFTER

10. Theme It is necessary to say “no” when it is necessary. People receive the impact of their own behavior When one tries to covet small gains, one may suffer a great loss.

11. Explore In this story, the author does not name the woman because he's not making a point about a particular woman, but is referring to people in general who manipulate others, but who will eventually receive their just reward.