Miserable at his uncle's house and at school because of his poor English (French was his first language), young Maugham began to develop a knack for making hurtful remarks to those around him that he didn't like. This talent was sometimes reflected in Maugham's literary characters. When he was 16 years old, Maugham refused to continue his studies at King's School, his uncle allowed him to go to Germany to study German, literature and philosophy at the University of Heidelberg. After a year at Heidelberg, he entered St. Thomas’ medical school, London, and qualified as a doctor in 1897. He drew upon his experiences as an obstetrician in his first novel, "Liza of Lambeth" (1897), and its success, though small, encouraged him to abandon medicine. 

His reputation as a novelist rests primarily on four books: "Of Human Bondage" (1915), a semi-autobiographical account of a young medical student’s painful progress toward maturity; The Moon and Sixpence (1919), an account of an unconventional artist, suggested by the life of Paul Gauguin; Cakes and Ale (1930), the story of a famous novelist, which is thought to contain caricatures of Thomas Hardy and Hugh Walpole; and The Razor’s Edge (1944), the story of a young American war veteran’s quest for a satisfying way of life.

 Trần Phương Hân - 18CNA08
 

1.        Money worship society

To the bourgeois society, money was a useful tool to dominate both economics and politics. Money also helped the bourgeois maintain their regal life and it connected the members in family, on the other hand, husband had obligated to support his wife and children for whole his life. Therefore, the last generations of the bourgeois forced the young generation to continue their domination. It was mentioned in the conversation between Strickland and his friend.

“I rather wanted to be a painter when I was a boy, but my father made me go into business because he said there was no money in art”.

 

In this society, art was non-profitable. Therefore, it must be looked down upon. In their point of view, art was nothing more than just a JOB to earn money. They did not see the beautiful things that art brings. When Strickland decided to follow in his father's footsteps, his dream was hidden on the bottom of his heart. After working hard for ages, he became a prosperous stockbroker. He is probably a worthy member of society. However, there is in streets of the poor quarters a thronging vitality which excites the blood and prepares the soul for the unexpected. It was actually happened in Paris, because Strickland gave up the luxury life and got acquainted with hard life just only wanted to fulfill a long-cherished dream. He had to give up his dream to follow his father’s wishes. 

“I want to paint.” “I’ve got to paint.”

The brief answer expressed his willingness to get out of ideology ties which were imposed by his father. And his hand and mind would express his big dream by painting masterpieces.

 And Strickland cannot have a comfortable life any more.

“I haven’t any money. I’ve got about a hundred pounds.”

We could probably see it through Strickland’s appearance when he came to Paris.

1.2 Family and social responsibilities

Painting is not only a ‘dreamy moon’ of Strickland but also of many progressive people in bourgeois society. According to bourgeois concepts, all the men have to be responsible for hisfamily and children. He’s forced to have a strong connection with what is considered to belong to him. Strickland’s life is tied tightly down to family’s contract. However, all that sort of things means nothing at all to him. He doesn’t let those reasons impact on his way chasing his passion any longer. 

When Strickland talks about his children, his attitude is revealed to be heartlessly scornful.

‘They’ve had a good many years of comfort. It’s much more than the majority of children have.

 

 

 Besides, somebody will look after them. When it comes to the point, the Mac Andrews will pay for their schooling.’ ‘I like them all right when they were kids, but now they’ve growing up I haven’t got any particular feeling for them.’ 

 He totally gives up on his own family, children and thinks that they could live by themselves without his care. Even if they can’t make arrangement for their life, his relatives might come to help. Strickland also doesn’t mind what people loathe and despise him.

‘Everyone will think you a perfect swine.’ ‘Let them.’ ‘Won’t it mean anything to you that people loathe and despise you?’ ‘No’ ‘You don’t care if people think you an utter black-guard?’ ‘Not a damn.’ He really doesn’t care any longer. ‘You won’t go back to your wife?’ ‘Never’ ‘You don’t care if she and your children have to beg their bread?’ ‘Not a damn.’ 

 

Difference: 
- The moon= art and beauty but far away in the bourgeois society

- Six pence= real life with all its worries, calculation andfightings
_Hoàng Thị Phương Thanh 18CNA07_

 

 

. In 1897 his first novel “Liza of Lambeth” was published.

. From 1897 the following works were published:

“ The Hero” (1901)

“Mrs Craddock”(1902)

“ The Merry-Go-Round”(1904)

“The Explorer” (1907)

“The Magician”(1908)

“The Moon and Sixpence”(1919)

“The Painted Veil” (1925),..

. Maugham returned to London, where he began working on novels and plays. He was inspired by the style of Oscar Wilde. His most famous plays are: “ A Man of Honour”(1903) “ Lady Frederic”(1907) “Jack Straw”(1912),”The Moon and Sixpence” (1919)   “The Unknown”(1920) “The Circle”(1921) “Our Betters” (1923) “The Constant Wife” (1927) “Sheppey”(1933).

.When World War I broke out, Maugham volunteered with the American Volunteer Motor Ambulance Corps. 

.In his later years he wrote numerous essays, short stories and novels, including “Cakes and Ale”(1930) “The Narrow Corner”(1932) “Theatre”(1937) “The Summing Up” (1938) “The Razor’s Edge” (1944)

. He made generous contributions to the people and institutions who supported him in his life, including building a new library for King’s College, Canterbury, England.

. He himself received many honours during his lifetime, including the Queen’s Companion of Honour (1954).

. He fell in love with his secretary- Syrie Wellcome

. He married Gwendoline Maud Syrie Barnardo

. Alan searle became Maugham’s lover 

.In 1947 Maugham instituted the Somerset Maugham Award to encourage and support young writers.

.William Somerset Maugham died in Nice, France, on December 16, 1965.

         . His ashes were interred in Galpin’s garden, Canterbury, England.