A story by Somerset Maugham

2. The word ‘Luncheon’ is a formal word for
lunch. Luncheon is a formal meal served in
the middle of the day.

3. William Somerset Maugham (1874-1965), a
writer of short stories, novels and plays was
born in Paris on 25 January 1874.
Human Bondage
The Moon and Sixpence
The Circle
Our Betters

4. The story is told in first
person narrative, the
narrator being the
writer.
“I caught sight of her
at the play.”

6. SALMON
Large fish with pinkish flesh

7. CAVIARE
A salty dish made from eggs of sturgeon (a
fish) or other large fish

8. ASPARAGUS
A plant whose shoots are used as a
vegetable

9. CHAMPAGNE
An expensive white or pink wine made in
France.

10. The narrator and the woman meet again after they last
saw each other, 20 years before and then he starts to
recall the luncheon at Foyot’s that day.

11. • The narrator had only 80 francs to last him for the
rest of the month.
• He found the lady talkative and unattractive.
• The lady orders all expensive dishes.
• He ordered the cheapest dish on the menu.
• The lady takes him to task for eating unhealthy
heavy mutton chops.
• The lady enjoyed the meal and kept talking about
art, literature and music.

12. • After this huge satisfying lunch, she ordered
ice cream and coffee.
• The waiter appeared with a basket of peaches
and she took one.
• He had to spend the whole money on the bill.
• He thought about the expenditure for the
whole month.
• Now this woman who eats light and only one
thing at a time weighs twenty one stone.

14. He is not making a point about a particular
woman but is referring to people in general
who manipulate others and eventually
receive their just reward.

16. • Appearance vs. Reality
• Sometimes it is necessary to say “no”.
• When one tries to covet small gains one may
suffer a great loss.

17. There is an element of irony found in the
woman’s speeches.
“I never eat anything for luncheon.”
“I never eat more than one thing for luncheon.”
“I never drink anything for luncheon.”
“Follow my example.”

18. • The lady exploits the narrator by pretending to
be interested in his writings and admiring his
works.
• The irony is that narrator takes her to an
expensive restaurant where he had never
dared to go as he could not afford it.

19. What’s the word?
1. E N C S U L T U C
2. I C V E R A A
3. H P A M G C E A N
4. F T R O I G M N Y I
5. T M O S I H U R
6. N E V E G E R
7. N S A C F R
8. U H T U S M L F O

20. • Insensitive
• Inconsiderate
• Self centered
• Demanding
• Rude

21. • Gullible
• Polite
• Considerate

22. BY
NOOPUR SHARMA
TGT ENGLISH