Mayhew W.S. Maugham

Writer Plot Character Review

William Somerset Maugham Born25 January 1874 UK Embassy, Paris, France Died16 December 1965 (aged 91) Nice, France OccupationPlaywright, novelist, short story writer Notable works The Moon and Sixpence Of Human Bondage The Letter The 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: Mayhew BeforeAfter Occupationlawyerhistorian ResidenceDetroit (The Motor City) Capri (gaunt, friendly, historical) LifeMaterially abundant, powerful Spiritual, austere, Committed to study AchievementLarge and lucrative practice Amassed a competence Stood on the threshold of a distinguished career none

Character: Mayhew Interesting Able Acute brain, an attractive personality and uprightness No hypocrite Not impulsive or emotional Honest and sincere An man of energy Skillful controversialist, quick, logical, and incisive Good-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 Spirit Commercialism vs Naturalism Pragmatism 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.