Friday, August 8, 2025

“The Luncheon” by W. Somerset Maugham: to explain the different aspects of study, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation in literary criticism.

 Let us use “The Luncheon” by W. Somerset Maugham as an example to explain the different aspects of study, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation in literary criticism.

In “The Luncheon”, W. Somerset Maugham, the author tells the story of a lady who admires his writing. She gains the author’s favour and announces her desire to see him at a high-end restaurant. Maugham exposes the middle class’s fake motivations for modest eating habits with a sense of humour.

Twenty years ago, while living in Paris, the author met a lady who admired his stories. She had read one of his books and written him a letter outlining her opinions. Another letter was sent, this time detailing her trip to Paris and her desire to have a small luncheon at the Foyots, a restaurant where French senators dine. Maugham was not a wealthy man, and he had never considered visiting that restaurant. He could not also refuse her request.

After calculating the cost of a luncheon, which should not exceed fifteen francs, he decided to remove coffee from his menu so that he could have enough for himself for the next two weeks. His meeting was scheduled for Thursday at half past twelve through correspondence. The lady was in her thirties, chatty, and unattractive. She had ordered salmon and caviar while it was being prepared. Maugham had selected the lowest entrée, mutton chops.

After the meal, she had requested white champagne. She continued to enjoy the meal and talk about art, literature, and music, while Maugham worried about the payment. The bill of fare exceeded his expectations. When the server arrived with the bill, she waved him off with a gesture and requested asparagus, an expensive dish. Maugham’s heart fell and his lips went wet, but he had to control his feelings. To make matters worse, she ordered ice cream and then coffee while declaring that she “never ate anything for lunch - just a bite”. Maugham’s mind raced with ideas on how he would pay the expensive bill or how he would mimic an act of pocket picking. To his utter dismay, the head waiter approached the table with an enormous basket full of massive peaches. She picked up one, claiming that her dinner was only a snack and that she could definitely eat the peach.

The bill was finally paid, and Maugham found himself with only a few francs for tips and no money left in his pocket for the entire month. Maugham believes he has had his revenge since, after twenty years, he met her weighing one hundred and thirty-six kilogrammes.



1. Study: Learning and Understanding the Broader Context

Study involves understanding the background, context, and circumstances in which the story was written. It’s about learning who the author is, what influenced the work, and the larger historical, social, or cultural context.

Example for “The Luncheon”:

·        Author's Background: W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) was an English playwright, novelist, and short story writer. He was known for his sharp observations of human nature, his witty style, and his often ironic approach to life. Maugham’s works often include themes of human vulnerability, social class, and the disparities between appearance and reality.

·        Historical Context: “The Luncheon” was written in a time when there were significant class divides in Western societies. The story’s portrayal of wealth, social pretence, and expectations around class reflects this cultural environment.

·        Literary Context: Maugham’s writing was influenced by his experiences living in different countries, his career as a doctor, and his observations of social dynamics. “The Luncheon” uses humour and irony to critique the attitudes of the wealthy or those who put on airs of sophistication.

·        Goal of Study: Understanding Maugham’s broader literary style and context helps one appreciate the story’s tone and its social commentary. By studying the era and Maugham’s background, one can also get a clearer sense of how the story fits into his larger body of work, which often features themes of social class and the human condition.


2. Analysis: Breaking down the Text and Understanding Its Structure and Components

·        Characters:

o   The Narrator (the writer): A young man, possibly in his 20s or 30s, who is invited to lunch by a woman of high society. He is polite, reserved, and somewhat naive.

o   The Woman: An older, more established character who is at first introduced as a seemingly sophisticated, wealthy woman. She exudes a sense of superiority, but her true nature, pretentious, manipulative, and self-centred, is revealed by the end.

·        Plot Structure: The story is episodic, it follows the narrator’s experience at a lunch, which begins as a seemingly pleasant encounter but gradually becomes more uncomfortable and revealing. The shift from polite conversation to the realisation of the woman’s true character provides the story’s dramatic tension.

·        Irony: One of the most prominent elements of the story is its use of irony. The woman, who claims to be wealthy and sophisticated, ends up being the one who is cheap and manipulative, while the young narrator, despite being a struggling writer, is actually much more financially sensible than she is.

·        Tone: The story has a satirical and ironic tone. Maugham uses the absurdity of the luncheon (and the woman’s behaviour) to criticise social pretensions and to reveal the difference between appearances and reality.

·        Symbolism: The luncheon itself can be seen as a symbol of social expectation and class divides. It is supposed to represent sophistication, but it instead reveals a stark contrast between the woman's self-image and her actions.

·        Example of Analysis: The moment when the woman orders a lavish, expensive meal, despite her financial situation, exposes her self-deception and desire to impress. The narrator, on the other hand, orders modestly, revealing his self-awareness and humility. This contrast reflects the theme of appearance versus reality, which is central to the story.


3. Interpretation: Drawing Conclusions Regarding Deeper Meaning or Themes

·        Social Pretension and Class Distinction: One of the primary themes of the story is social class. The woman’s behaviour reflects the desire to appear wealthier or more sophisticated than she actually is, which is often an aspiration in a class-conscious society. Maugham critiques how people sometimes try to project a false image of themselves to fit into certain social circles.

·        Human Vanity and Deception: The woman’s over-the-top luncheon order is symbolic of vanity: her desire to appear cultured and wealthy. However, her inability to pay for the meal exposes her deceptiveness. This serves as a commentary on human folly and the lengths people will go to maintain appearances, even at their own expense.

·        Irony of Expectations: The narrator expects the luncheon to be an enjoyable, even indulgent affair, but it turns into a moment of realisation and self-discovery for him. He learns that, although he is struggling financially, he is more practical and down-to-earth than the woman who, despite her pretensions, is ultimately more shallow and impractical.

·        Example of Interpretation: The story can be interpreted as a critique of societal values that prioritise outward appearances over personal integrity or substance. Maugham might be commenting on how society often rewards superficiality and punishes honesty or modesty. The woman, despite her pretensions, lives in a state of constant financial discomfort, while the narrator’s modesty leads to his eventual success.


4. Evaluation: Judging the Text's Quality or Effectiveness

·        Literary Quality: Maugham’s use of irony is one of the story’s strengths. The plot is simple, but the irony and sharp character contrasts create a biting commentary on social class. The concise language and satirical tone make the story both engaging and thought-provoking.

·        Effectiveness of Theme: The story effectively critiques the societal obsession with appearances and the pretence of wealth. The woman’s foolish behaviour is exaggerated to the point of absurdity, which makes the theme clear without being heavy-handed.

·        Characterization: The characters are well-drawn, especially the woman, who begins as a sympathetic character but becomes increasingly ridiculous as her true nature is revealed. The narrator, though less complex, serves as a foil to her, representing modesty and practicality. Their contrast is central to the story’s message.

·        Impact: The story’s irony leaves a lasting impression on the reader. It’s a short but memorable story that challenges readers to think about how much we value appearances and what lies beneath the surface. The story also has an element of universal relevance, everyone can relate to moments of awkward social interaction or misjudging someone based on their outward behaviour.

·        Example of Evaluation: “The Luncheon” is a well-crafted short story that delivers a sharp critique of social attitudes toward wealth and status. Its ironic tone and well-executed character contrast make it both entertaining and thought-provoking, fulfilling Maugham’s purpose of mocking the pretensions of the wealthy while offering a deeper commentary on the human condition.


Summary of Differences with Examples from "The Luncheon"

Term

What It Means

Example from "The Luncheon"

Study

Understanding the author, context, and background of the story.

Exploring Maugham's background as a writer and the social context of the early 20th century.

Analysis

Breaking down the elements of the text like characters, themes, and plot structure.

Analysing the irony of the woman ordering an expensive meal despite her financial situation.

Interpretation

Drawing conclusions about the deeper meaning of the story.

Interpreting the story as a critique of social pretension and the disconnect between appearance and reality.

Evaluation

Assessing the effectiveness of the story in terms of quality and impact.

Evaluating how Maugham’s use of irony and character contrast successfully critiques societal values.


By engaging with The Luncheon in these four ways: study, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation – we gain a richer understanding of the story’s themes, its structure, and its effectiveness in delivering a social critique.

Monday, August 4, 2025

My Favourite Place in the World: Thanjavur

 My Favourite Place in the World: Thanjavur – A Journey through Time

If I were to name my favourite place in the world, I would choose Thanjavur without hesitation. Located in the heart of Tamil Nadu, along the banks of the River Cauvery, Thanjavur is a city that brings the past alive. Its air still carries whispers of kings, scholars, and artists who shaped a civilisation.

A Walk along Royal Footsteps

There’s something magical about walking along the banks of the Cauvery, imagining the very soil once walked upon by Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola. These visionary rulers built not only mighty temples and palaces but also encouraged the growth of literature, irrigation systems, and urban planning. Their legacy lives on, not only in stone but in spirit.

The City of Art and Learning

Thanjavur has long been a cultural and intellectual hub. Its contribution to literature, architecture, and painting is unmatched. The city is home to the world-renowned Tanjore paintings, known for their delicate brushwork and rich detail. Educational institutions that date back centuries still function with pride, carrying forward the city's scholarly tradition.

The Rhythm of Daily Life

What draws me most to Thanjavur is its balance of old and new. The streets are lined with old bookshops, bustling vegetable markets, and craftsmen who continue to preserve ancient techniques. Life moves with a certain rhythm, unhurried and thoughtful. It is a place where tradition and progress coexist in harmony.

Why It is My Favorite

Thanjavur stands out for its deep sense of continuity. It reminds us that we are part of a larger story, a story of invention, resilience, and identity. For me, the city isn’t just a destination. It’s a living museum, a place where the past breathes beside you as you walk through its lanes, explore its heritage, or simply sit by the river and reflect.

 

 

Thanjavur is more than a place I admire; it is where history meets everyday life. And in that union, I find my deepest connection.

Lesson Plan: Blog Writing

 Lesson Plan: Blog Writing

What is a Blog?

Definition of a Blog

A blog (short for “weblog”) is a type of online writing platform where individuals or groups regularly publish articles, opinions, stories, or information on specific topics. Each post is usually displayed in reverse chronological order (most recent first) and may allow readers to interact through comments.

🔹 In simple terms, a blog is a personal or professional web journal that is regularly updated and often reflects the writer’s thoughts, experiences, or expertise.

Types of Blogs

·       1. Personal Blogs – Life stories, opinions

·       2. Professional Blogs – Career advice, skill-building

·       3. Travel Blogs – Experiences from different places

·       4. Food Blogs – Recipes, restaurant reviews

·       5. Educational Blogs – Tutorials, study notes

·       6. Tech Blogs – Gadgets, software reviews

·       7. Fashion & Lifestyle Blogs – Trends, health, beauty

Structure of a Blog Post

Section

Description

Title

Catchy and relevant

Introduction

Hook the reader, set the tone

Body

Main content — divided into paragraphs with subheadings

Conclusion

Summarize and invite responses

Call to Action

Optional — Ask reader to follow, try something, or give feedback

Language and Style

Feature

Notes

Tone

Conversational, engaging, sometimes informal

Voice

First person (“I”, “we”) often used

Clarity

Use short sentences, everyday language

Grammar

Correct but relaxed; contractions are okay

Formatting

Use of bold, bullet points, images enhances readability

Sample Writing Prompts

(My Favourite Place in the World, A Habit That Changed My Life, Top 3 Tips for New College Students, Why I Love Reading (or Cooking/Travelling))

 

Personal Experience Prompts

1.     My Favourite Memory from School

2.     A Day I Will Never Forget

3.     The Person Who Inspires Me the Most

4.     A Journey That Changed Me

5.     A Place I Feel Most at Peace

6.     The Best Meal I’ve Ever Had

7.     The Hardest Challenge I Overcame

8.     A Childhood Game I Still Remember

Travel and Places Prompts

1.     A Hidden Gem in My Hometown

2.     Exploring a Historical Landmark

3.     A Dream Destination I Want to Visit

4.     My Experience at a Cultural Festival

5.     Walking Through the Streets of an Old City

6.     What Makes My City Unique

Opinion & Reflection Prompts

1.     Why Reading Should Be a Daily Habit

2.     How Technology Is Changing Our Lives

3.     What Makes a Good Friend?

4.     My Thoughts on Social Media

5.     How I Handle Stress and Pressure

6.     The Importance of Time Management for Students

Creative & Imaginative Prompts

1. If I Could Time Travel...

2.  A Day in the Life of My Future Self

3.     My Life as an Animal for One Day

4.     If I Could Build a Perfect City

5.     Imagine a World Without Mobile Phones

Academic & Career Prompts

1.     Why I Want to Pursue My Chosen Career

2.     What I Learned from a Group Project

3.     Skills Every Student Should Have

4.     How Education Can Shape Society

5.     A Teacher Who Made a Difference in My Life

 

Assessment Rubric

Criteria

Points

Clarity & Coherence

5

Structure (Title, Intro, Body, Conclusion)

5

Language & Grammar

5

Creativity & Engagement

5

Total

20

 

Friday, August 1, 2025

Herman Melville’s works question human supremacy over nature

 

Herman Melville’s works question human supremacy over nature by portraying nature as a powerful, independent force that cannot be dominated, commodified, or fully understood. Through characters, symbols, and narrative outcomes, he critiques human arrogance and highlights the limits of control over the natural world.

Here’s how this theme unfolds in his key works:

 1. Moby-Dick: Nature as Unconquerable

·        Captain Ahab’s obsessive pursuit of the white whale, Moby Dick, is the clearest example of human arrogance toward nature.

·        Ahab believes he can conquer and control the sea and its creatures, treating the whale as an enemy to be destroyed.

·        But the whale is not just an animal—it represents nature’s will, mystery, and resistance.

·        In the end, nature triumphs: Ahab’s quest leads to destruction, and the sea reclaims the ship and crew.

Melville’s message: Nature does not submit to human pride. Attempts to dominate it often end in failure and self-destruction.

 

2. The Ocean as a Force beyond Human Understanding

·        The ocean in Moby-Dick is vast, unknowable, and symbolic of the sublime power of nature.

·        Melville emphasizes that no science, religion, or technology can fully explain or master the sea.

·        Ishmael, the narrator, reflects on the ocean with awe, fear, and humility—in contrast to Ahab’s arrogance.

“There is, one knows not what sweet mystery about this sea...”
Moby-Dick

 

3. Typee and Omoo: Critique of Western Domination

·        In these early novels, Melville shows how indigenous peoples live in harmony with nature, while Western colonizers disrupt ecological balance.

·        The invading missionaries and traders view nature as something to be tamed or exploited.

·        Melville’s sympathetic portrayal of islanders suggests that human supremacy is a cultural construct, not a universal truth.

 

4. Animals as Agents, Not Objects

·        In Moby-Dick, the whale is not objectified: it is given near-mythical power, presence, and even moral weight.

·        The non-human is not reduced to mere property; instead, it acts as a mirror to human obsession and failure.

·        This challenges the view of animals as inferior or purely utilitarian.

 

Conclusion

Melville’s work critiques the illusion of human dominance over the environment. By portraying nature as autonomous, sacred, and ultimately more powerful, he warns against the dangers of arrogance and calls for humility, respect, and ethical awareness in our relationship with the natural world.

Monday, July 28, 2025

Understanding Interspecies Symbiosis through Ecocriticism

Interspecies Symbiosis in Ecocriticism - Suresh Frederick's Perspective


Title: Understanding Interspecies Symbiosis through Ecocriticism

Based on the Work of: Dr. Suresh Frederick (Author of Ecocriticism: Paradigms and Praxis)


What is Interspecies Symbiosis?

Interspecies symbiosis refers to the mutual, respectful coexistence and interdependence between humans and other species. Dr. Suresh Frederick argues that humans are not superior but are equal participants in a shared ecosystem.


Key Literary and Observational Examples

1. Squirrels: Eco-Symbols of Coexistence

  • Seen building nests in both trees and human dwellings

  • Alert other creatures to danger with warning chirps

  • Help regenerate forests by dispersing seeds

  • Message: They are collaborators, not pests

2. Sparrows: Vanishing Companions of Urban Life

  • Declining due to radiation and habitat loss

  • Once nested in tiled roofs and fed on home grains

  • Message: Their absence signals ecological imbalance

3. Pollinators: Bees and Butterflies

  • Vital to agriculture and biodiversity

  • Suffer from pesticide use and habitat destruction

  • Message: Their survival is directly linked to human food security

4. Trees: Our Breathing Partners

  • Exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with us

  • Provide shelter, shade, and habitat for other species

  • Message: Literal and symbolic partners in ecological harmony


 Ecocritical Implications

  • Literature should reflect nature as active, not just background

  • Animals and plants deserve literary presence and voice

  • Ecological damage should be read as an ethical failure


Notable Interpretation

“Our survival on this earth depends on our recognition of other species not as tools or threats, but as co-travelers on the planet”. – Suresh Frederick


Classroom Discussion Questions

  1. Can you name a literary work where a non-human species is central?

  2. How can literature change our view of lesser” species / non-humanbeings?

  3. In what ways do our daily lives violate or support interspecies symbiosis?


Recommended Reading:

  • Ecocriticism: Paradigms and Praxis by Suresh Frederick

Sunday, July 27, 2025

From Ego to Eco: Understanding Suresh Frederick’s Earth-Centred Criticism: Ecocriticism

 

From Ego to Eco: Understanding Suresh Frederick’s Earth-Centred Criticism: Ecocriticism

Ecocriticism is earth-centred and all the other approaches are ego-centred”.Suresh Frederick


In this powerful and thought-provoking statement, Indian ecocritic Suresh Frederick urges readers and scholars to rethink how we interpret literature. Unlike most literary theories that place human beings and their struggles at the centre, ecocriticism turns our attention toward the Earth itself. It is a call to shift our perspective from ego to eco.

What Does “Earth-Centred” Mean?

To be earth-centred (or ecocentric) means placing nature and the environment at the heart of our analysis. When reading literature from an ecocritical perspective, we ask:

·        How does this text portray nature?

·        Is the Earth treated with respect or exploitation?

·        Are animals, rivers, and forests simply background elements, or do they have their own voice?

Ecocriticism doesn’t ignore human experiences but insists that the environment is equally vital and worth our attention.

What Does “Ego-Centred” Mean?

In contrast, "ego-centred" approaches focus almost entirely on human concerns:

·        Feminism highlights gender and patriarchy.

·        Marxism deals with class conflict and economics.

·        Psychoanalysis explores the inner world of the human mind.

These are all valuable, but they often relegate nature to the margins, treating it as scenery rather than a character.


Literary Examples: Eco vs Ego

Ecocentric Literature

1. Amitav Ghosh – The Hungry Tide
This novel explores the Sundarbans—a fragile, biodiverse region of India. The story balances human and non-human voices (such as endangered dolphins) and emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature.

2. Henry David Thoreau – Walden (1854)

Genre: Memoir / Nature writing
Ecocentric Element:
Thoreau documents his experiment in simple, sustainable living near Walden Pond. Nature is not a backdrop but a
spiritual teacher, a source of peace, and a model for human life.

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately…”

3. Rachel Carson – Silent Spring (1962)

Genre: Non-fiction / Environmental science
Ecocentric Element:
This groundbreaking work exposed the dangers of pesticides, particularly DDT, and sparked the modern environmental movement. Carson speaks
on behalf of ecosystems, birds, and natural cycles disrupted by human greed.

Nature is the victim, and Carson is its voice.

4. Barbara Kingsolver – Prodigal Summer (2000)

Genre: Ecofiction
Ecocentric Element:
This novel interweaves human relationships with ecological ones. Trees, insects, predators, and prey are all essential to the narrative. Kingsolver shows how
human and ecological survival are intertwined.

5. Arundhati Roy – The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017)

Genre: Literary fiction
Ecocentric Element:
Roy gives space to
the landscapes of India, the changing climate, and ecological injustice, particularly in urban slums and Kashmir. Ecology and resistance go hand in hand.

6. Leslie Marmon Silko – Ceremony (1977)

Genre: Native American fiction
Ecocentric Element:
Silko’s novel draws on Native American traditions that emphasize
a sacred relationship with the land. The Earth is a living entity, and harmony with it is key to healing from trauma.

7. Margaret Atwood – MaddAddam Trilogy (2003–2013)

Genre: Dystopian / speculative fiction
Ecocentric Element:
Set in a future destroyed by bioengineering and environmental collapse, these novels show
the consequences of ecological neglect. Atwood’s eco-themed dystopia critiques capitalism and biotechnology’s damage to the natural world.

8. Herman Melville – Moby Dick (1851)

Genre: Literary fiction / Adventure
Ecocentric Element:
Though often read for symbolism and character, the novel is rich in
naturalistic detail—the sea, whales, and the ocean ecosystem become complex, morally ambiguous forces. The whale can be read as nature’s revenge or nature’s mystery.

9. Terry Tempest Williams – Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place (1991)

Genre: Memoir / Nature writing
Ecocentric Element:
This book connects the author’s mother’s cancer to nuclear testing in the Utah desert. Williams weaves her grief with the destruction of a bird refuge, showing how
personal and ecological loss are interconnected.

10. Richard Powers – The Overstory (2018)

Genre: Ecofiction
Ecocentric Element:
A sweeping novel that follows multiple characters drawn together by their relationship with
trees. Trees are central—not just as metaphors but as living entities with agency and timeframes far beyond human comprehension.

Ego-Centred Focus

1. Shakespeare’s The Tempest
A postcolonial reading focuses on Caliban as a symbol of colonization. However, an ecocritical reading would highlight how Prospero also dominates and manipulates the natural environment—an allegory for ecological exploitation.


Why Dr Suresh Frederick’s Insight Matters?

Suresh Frederick’s quote serves as a wake-up call. At a time of climate change, mass extinction, and environmental degradation, literary studies must adapt. We need to read literature with the Earth in mind.

·        To question how texts represent nature.

·        To promote empathy for animals, forests, and oceans.

·        To move from human-centred analysis to planet-centred awareness.

This doesn't mean abandoning other theories, but rather enriching them by adding an environmental perspective.


Final Reflection

Without the Earth, there is no literature—and no readers.

Ecocriticism challenges us to listen to the voiceless Earth, to rethink our relationship with the natural world, and to reflect that shift in our reading practices. Suresh Frederick's statement is not just a theory—it's a responsibility.

Let us read not just for ourselves, but also for the Earth.