The Luncheon by W. Somerset Maugham

About the Author

• W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) was a British writer known for his short stories, novels, and plays.
• His writing often focuses on human nature, irony, and social satire.
• "The Luncheon" is a humorous short story about an awkward lunch meeting and social expectations.

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Summary of the Story

• The story is narrated by a writer who recalls a luncheon he had 20 years ago with a woman who admired his work.
• She invited him to lunch at an expensive restaurant but claimed she only ate light meals.
• Despite her claim, she orders the most expensive items on the menu, while the narrator can barely afford his own meal.
• He watches helplessly as the bill drains his savings, yet she remains oblivious.
• The irony of the story is revealed in the last line: years later, the woman has become very overweight.

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Themes

1. Irony and Satire – The woman claims to eat lightly but consumes the most expensive food.
2. Social Class and Pretense – The narrator struggles financially, while the woman pretends to be refined.
3. Manipulation and Deception – The woman exploits the narrator's politeness.
4. Revenge through Humour – The narrator gains satisfaction from seeing the woman's later transformation.

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Structure & Style

• First-person narration – Makes the story personal and engaging.
• Chronological order – Follows the events of the luncheon from beginning to end.
• Humorous and sarcastic tone – Uses irony to entertain the reader.
• Contrast and exaggeration – Highlight the differences between the narrator and the woman.

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Analysis by Section

Introduction: The Invitation

"I was living in Paris when I met her..."

• The narrator sets the scene by reminiscing about the past.
• He introduces the woman as an admirer of his writing.
• She suggests a meeting, choosing a fancy restaurant.

The Luncheon: The Meal Begins

"I never eat anything for luncheon."

• The woman insists she eats lightly, yet proceeds to order costly dishes.
• The narrator, struggling financially, feels nervous about the bill.

The Ordering of Expensive Dishes

"I think you are unwise to eat meat."

• The woman discourages the narrator from ordering what he wants.
• She claims to be health-conscious but keeps ordering more food.
• The narrator, too polite to object, watches as his money disappears.

The Climax: The Bill Arrives

"I had just enough to pay the bill."

• The narrator can barely afford the meal, while the woman remains unaware of his struggle.
• She expresses no concern about the cost.

The Ironic Ending

"She now weighs twenty-one stone."

• Years later, the narrator sees the woman again and notices she is now very overweight.
• This serves as poetic justice for her past gluttony.

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Tone & Mood

• Tone: Humorous, sarcastic, ironic.
• Mood: Amusing, frustrating, light-hearted.

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Key Literary Devices

1. Irony – The woman's claim of eating lightly contrasts with her actions.
2. Satire – Criticises social manners and manipulation.
3. Exaggeration – Highlights the woman's excessive eating.
4. Contrast – Between the narrator's poverty and the woman's extravagance.

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Key Message of the Story

• Social status can create uncomfortable power dynamics.
• Irony reveals human hypocrisy and pretence.
• Humour can be a form of revenge.

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Exam Tips

• Be familiar with key themes and how they are developed.
• Understand how literary devices contribute to meaning.
• Be able to identify quotes and explain their significance.
• Prepare to compare and contrast the story with others on similar themes.
• Structure essay responses clearly with introduction, body, and conclusion.

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