The Luncheon

A story by Somerset Maugham

1. The word ‘Luncheon’ is a formal word for lunch. Luncheon is a formal meal served in the middle of the day.

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. FAMOUS WORKS Human Bondage The Moon and Sixpence The Circle Our Betters

3. The story is told in first person narrative, the narrator being the writer. “I caught sight of her at the play.”

4. SALMON Large fish with pinkish flesh

5. CAVIARE A salty dish made from eggs of sturgeon (a fish) or other large fish

6. ASPARAGUS A plant whose shoots are used as a vegetable

7. CHAMPAGNE An expensive white or pink wine made in France.

8. The narrator and the woman meet again after they last saw each other, 20 years before and then he starts to recall the luncheon at Foyot’s that day.

9. KEY POINTS The narrator had only 80 francs to last him for the rest of the month. He found the lady talkative and unattractive. The lady orders all expensive dishes. He ordered the cheapest dish on the menu. The lady takes him to task for eating unhealthy heavy mutton chops. The lady enjoyed the meal and kept talking about art, literature and music.

10. After this huge satisfying lunch, she ordered ice cream and coffee. The waiter appeared with a basket of peaches and she took one. He had to spend the whole money on the bill. He thought about the expenditure for the whole month. Now this woman who eats light and only one thing at a time weighs twenty one stone. KEY POINTS

11. Why didn’t the author name the woman?

12. He is not making a point about a particular woman but is referring to people in general who manipulate others and eventually receive their just reward.

13. THEME Appearance vs. Reality Sometimes it is necessary to say “no”. When one tries to covet small gains one may suffer a great loss.

14. IRONY There is an element of irony found in the woman’s speeches. “I never eat anything for luncheon.” “I never eat more than one thing for luncheon.” “I never drink anything for luncheon.” “Follow my example.”

15. The lady exploits the narrator by pretending to be interested in his writings and admiring his works. The irony is that narrator takes her to an expensive restaurant where he had never dared to go as he could not afford it. IRONY

16. What’s the word? E N C S U L T U C I C V E R A A H P A M G C E A N F T R O I G M N Y I T M O S I H U R N E V E G E R N S A C F R U H T U S M L F O

17. THE WOMAN Insensitive Inconsiderate Self centered Demanding Rude

18. NARRATOR Gullible Polite Considerate

19. BY NOOPUR SHARMA TGT ENGLISH