Mr Know-All by Somerset Maugham

Somerset Maugham (1874 – 1965) Can you tell anything about him from his appearance?

Could you guess that Somerset Maugham was British? What’s this? The “Union Jack”

At a time when the USA had a law called “Prohibition” Mr. Know-All The Setting When? After World War I (1914-1918) At a time when the USA had a law called “Prohibition”

The British Empire 1919

Mr Know-All The Setting Where? On an ocean liner (a very large ship which sails across the oceans)

Mr Know-All The Setting Where? On an ocean liner (a very large ship which sails across the oceans)

Why did the writer choose to set the story on an ocean liner? A ship is isolated, cut off from the world. The focus is on the relationships and behaviour of the characters.

What was it like to travel on board a liner at that time? Journeys across the ocean took a long time. How did people pass the time? These children are playing quoits.

Passengers had to have enough money to pay for accommodation and meals What can you say about this “two-berth cabin” ?

Did you notice how small this cabin is ? What’s this? It’s a porthole. Did you notice how small this cabin is ? Where would the passengers put their…...

……… luggage? suitcase wardrobe trunk label

What do you remember? Where did Somerset Maugham grow up and write? Here is a clue: “The Union Jack”

What is the setting of the story Mr Know All? Where? An ocean liner. When? After the first world war.

Do you remember these words? Britain - British setting Prohibition ocean liner on board passenger accommodation cabin porthole luggage suitcase label wardrobe trunk Union Jack