MayhewW.S. Maugham

Writer

Plot

Character

Review

William Somerset Maugham

Born 25 January 1874UK Embassy, Paris, France

Died 16 December 1965 (aged 91)Nice, France

Occupation

Playwright, novelist, short story writer

Notable works

The Moon and SixpenceOf Human BondageThe LetterThe Razor's Edge

Plot

Mayhew, who had been a successful and young lawyer, bought a house in Capri, Italy when he was drunk. Instead of being regret of it, he moved to there.

The land rich with serene landscape and historic associations gradually inspired Mayhew to make up his mind to write a history of the second century of the Roman Empire.

Plot

Fully devoted to his work, Mayhew was almost absorbed into his study of history. He enjoyed a life entirely of the spirit, despising and overlooking his body.

Eventually when Mayhew was ready to write his work, he died.

Character: MayhewBefore After

Occupation

lawyer historian

Residence Detroit(The Motor City)

Capri(gaunt, friendly,

historical)

Life Materially abundant,powerful

Spiritual, austere,Committed to study

Achievement

Large and lucrative practice

Amassed a competenceStood on the threshold of a distinguished

career

none

Character: Mayhew

InterestingAbleAcute brain, an attractive personality and uprightnessNo hypocrite Not impulsive or emotionalHonest and sincereAn man of energySkillful controversialist, quick, logical, and incisiveGood-humor and kindliness

Character: Mayhew

“And yet to me his life was a success. The pattern is good and complete. He did what he wanted, and he died when his goal was in sight and never knew the bitterness of an end achieved.”

… I respect them; they are good citizens, good husbands and good fathers, and of course somebody has to pay the taxes; but I do not find them exciting. I am fascinated by the men, few enough in all conscience, who take life in their own hands and seem to mould it to their own liking. ….

Review

Materialism vs SpiritCommercialism vs NaturalismPragmatism vs Idealism Circumstance vs Individualism

Question

P10: Capri is a gaunt rock of austere outline, bathed in a deep blue sea; but its vineyards, green and smiling, give it a soft and easy grace. It is friendly, remote, and debonair. I find it strange that Mayhew should have settled on this lovely island, for I never knew a man more insensible to beauty.