somerset maugham short stories

The best Somerset Maugham short stories often feature complex characters. His characters are usually full of contradictions, with hidden desires and motives. For example, in some stories, the main characters may seem ordinary on the surface but have extraordinary inner worlds.

One main theme is human nature. Maugham often delves into the good and bad aspects of people. For example, in many stories, he shows how greed can drive people's actions.

There are often the expatriates. These are characters who live outside their native countries, usually in some exotic location. They are often in search of something, be it adventure, love, or a new identity. Another typical character is the social climber. This type of character is obsessed with rising in the social ranks, using any means necessary.

Well, the themes in Somerset Maugham short stories are numerous. There's the exploration of the human condition in general. His stories look at how people cope with life's difficulties, whether it's poverty, illness, or loneliness. Then there's the theme of fate. Maugham sometimes presents characters who seem to be at the mercy of fate, and their attempts to break free or accept it. And of course, the theme of vanity. He shows how vanity can drive people's actions and lead to their downfall.

One of the main themes is human nature. Maugham often explores the complex and sometimes dark aspects of human nature, like greed and envy. For example, in some of his stories, characters' actions are driven by their excessive desires for wealth or power. Another theme is the cultural clash. He presents the differences between Western and Eastern cultures, especially through the experiences of his characters who travel between different regions. Love and relationships are also common themes. He delves into different forms of love, from passionate love to more practical, arranged relationships, showing how they can both bring joy and cause great distress.

One notable feature is Maugham's ability to create complex characters. His characters often face moral dilemmas, which makes the stories thought - provoking.

The short story 'The Letter' by Somerset Maugham is a study of moral ambiguity. The characters are not clearly good or bad. Their actions are influenced by their circumstances and personal feelings. For instance, the woman in the story may be seen as a victim in some ways, but her actions also raise questions about her morality. Maugham's storytelling is engaging. He presents a complex plot that makes the reader think about the nature of truth and the lengths people will go to protect themselves. The cultural context of the story, set in a colonial society, adds another layer of depth, as it influences the characters' values and behaviors.

It's often characterized by profound insights and a unique narrative style. Maugham's short stories tend to explore human nature and emotions in a compelling way.

Often, there are middle - class individuals. They could be doctors, like in some of his stories where the doctor character has to deal with moral dilemmas related to his patients.

Some of his well - known novels include 'Of Human Bondage', 'The Moon and Sixpence', and 'The Razor's Edge'.