March 30 is Home Reading.
The story to read is W.S. Maugham The Treasure
Reader-3, pp. 263-276
Questions to do in writing.
NEW ITEMS: 3, 10, 11, 15 are to be answered in detail!!!
While interpreting, pay attention to the following questions 4, 6, 17 (to be included in your written interpretation)
I definitely like the story which proves the great Maugham’s talent as a writer and his unique style of writing. All specific features of his writing are found in his work – great narrative facility, simplicity of style and a disillusioned point of view. The description of characters helps to feel the situation more deeply and at the same time leaves a space for your own imagination. The theme of human moral weakness is awoken in the story and brilliantly illustrated on Harenger’s example. However, Maugham doesn’t blame anyone, giving possibilities to a reader to form your own opinion towards everything. The ending is worth mentioning as it perfectly gives indirect description of both main characters – Pritchard and Harenger. The latter one turns out to be not so independent as he considers himself to be. All in all, the story impressed me because it has proved how stereotypes and prejudices which are imposed by society may influence us.
ReplyDeleteSo as you see, this story is really interesting and topical today, in our selfish world of egoists and cynics. You may see from the story how you can become a slave of your philosophy and can’t realize the real treasure in your life as one of the main heroes - Richard does.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it can be that we don't know what we want. Any things which are around us seem to be important. We don't really know what the real treasure for us is, our comfort and stable life or passion to the woman, especially in Richard’s turn.
The subject is love, the value of love.
The story impressed me greatly, well I should say, that Maugham is in my personal Golden List of Short story writers - he could create the world of two people, so close to each other day by day at the same area, but so distant mentally. The ideal and pedant Harenger had to find a perfect handmaid for his house duties and he did it, but the light of that "golden chest of coins" even gave more light, that he did, but only once he decided to open this Pandora Box by himself- neatly, gently not completely, but opened - and was pressed by his is own "control system", the system of a man, who had a very gloom ability - to live according to his clear plan, without adventures and insane acts.
ReplyDeleteStyle, vivid imagery and symbols as well as structure help us to feel the moral implications. I like this storu bacause of its bright and colourful language. W.S.MAugham is one of my favorite writers just because his sympathy invariably lies with common people. This story is a piece of relism,original and exciring/
ReplyDelete