"The Luncheon" by Somerset Maugham is a humorous short story narrated in the first person, recounting an unforgettable encounter between the narrator and a woman who had once appreciated his work. The story begins with the narrator meeting the woman at a play, and .....................
The Luncheon - English Literature - Class 8 - English
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Back Questions - The Luncheon | English Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
‘Did I remember?’ The narrator means that -
(i) he did not remember.
(ii) he could not forget.
(iii) he was not sure.
(ii) he could not forget.
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The narrator is by profession -
(i) a writer.
(ii) a musician.
(iii) an artist.
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Unlock now 🔓He had never been to Foyot’s before because -
(i) It was meant only for the French senators.
(ii) It was very expensive.
(iii) He had not heard of it.
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Unlock now 🔓He did not order champagne for himself because -
(i) He did not like it.
(ii) His doctor had forbidden him to drink it.
(iii) He could not afford it.
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Unlock now 🔓He did not give an adequate tip to the waiter because -
(i) he did not believe in giving tips.
(ii) he was miserly.
(iii) he had no more money.
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Unlock now 🔓Give two pieces of evidence from the story to justify each of the following statements.
1. The narrator was still a struggling writer.
2. He promptly said ‘yes’ to the woman’s proposal for lunch at the Foyot’s.
3. The woman did not approve of the narrator’s choice of eating meat.
4. The narrator planned ways to face a bill beyond his means.
5. The asparagus were tempting and difficult to resist.
6. The narrator was shocked to see the head waiter carry a basket full of peaches.
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Unlock now 🔓How did the woman know the narrator? Why did she want to meet him?
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Unlock now 🔓What Impression did the narrator form of the woman when he met her?
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Unlock now 🔓Why was the narrator panic-stricken while they were waiting for the asparagus to be cooked?
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Unlock now 🔓Why did the narrator order coffee for himself also?
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Unlock now 🔓What is the waiter’s contribution in allowing the woman to have a gorgeous meal?
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Unlock now 🔓The narrator’s meeting with the woman begins with his being flattered and hospitable and ends with being mortified and disgusted. Discuss his different states of mind.
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Unlock now 🔓The woman calls the narrator ‘a humorist’. Who do you think actually contributes to the humour in the story? How?
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Unlock now 🔓If you come across such a guest at home, how will you behave?
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Unlock now 🔓A. Observe the following remarks made by the woman during the luncheon.
‘I never eat anything for luncheon.’
‘I never drink anything for luncheon.’
‘I never eat more than thing for luncheon.’
Discuss these statements in the light of her behaviour during the luncheon.
B. Was the woman considerate or self-centred?
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Unlock now 🔓Imagine that you are the narrator. Write a diary entry expressing your plans on how you hope to manage the budget the entire month.
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Unlock now 🔓Write a diary entry expressing your satisfaction on observing the woman put on a lot of weight in the second meeting.
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Unlock now 🔓Extra Questions - The Luncheon | English Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
How did the author find the woman when he met her?
The author found the woman to be older than he expected, appearing to be around forty. She was talkative, especially about him, which made him an attentive listener. Her appearance was described as imposing rather than attractive. Despite claiming to never eat more than one thing for lunch, she ended up ordering several expensive items from the menu. Her behaviour suggested that she was well-versed in art, literature, and music, and carried herself with an air of sophistication, even if it put the author in a tough financial spot.
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What was the narrator’s problem regarding the lunch?
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Unlock now 🔓Compare the contrast the two characters, the guest and the host of ‘Luncheon’.
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Unlock now 🔓The Luncheon - Line by line explanation in Hindi | English Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
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Unlock now 🔓Quiz - The Luncheon | English Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
Vocabulary - Flashcards - The Luncheon | English Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
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About the Author - The Luncheon | English Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
William Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) was a renowned British playwright, novelist, and short story writer. Born in Paris, he grew up in England and studied medicine before becoming a full-time writer. Maugham is considered one of the most popular and successful writers of his time, known for his keen observations of human nature and his distinct narrative style.
Maugham's works span various genres, including drama, fiction, and autobiography. Some of his most famous works include the novel "Of Human Bondage" (1915), the play "The Circle" (1921), and the collection of short stories "The Trembling of a Leaf" (1921). Throughout his career, Maugham travelled extensively and used his experiences to create vivid settings and memorable characters in his stories. His works have been adapted into numerous stage plays, films, and television series, further solidifying his position as a significant literary figure.
Summary - The Luncheon | English Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
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Themes - The Luncheon | English Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
- Appearances vs. Reality:
The theme of appearances vs. reality is evident throughout the story. The woman claims to eat only one thing for lunch, creating an image of modesty and restraint. However, her actions contradict her words as she indulges in various expensive dishes. This theme highlights that appearances can be deceptive and people's actions may not always align with their claims. - Social Pretense and Flattery:
The story demonstrates how social pretence and flattery can lead people to make unwise decisions. The narrator agrees to an expensive.......
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Unlock now 🔓Important Lines - The Luncheon | English Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
- "It was long since I had last seen her and if someone had not mentioned her name, I hardly think I would have recognised her."
This line is important as it sets the stage for the narrator's reminiscing about his past encounter with the woman. It also hints at the changes that have taken place in her life since their last meeting. - "But I was flattered and I was too young to have learned to say no to a woman."
This line reveals.......
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Unlock now 🔓Plot - The Luncheon | English Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
1. Unexpected Invitation: The narrator receives an unexpected lunch invitation from a woman - who he admires - after they bump into each other at the theatre.
2. Elaborate Luncheon: The woman insists.....................
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Unlock now 🔓Vocabulary - The Luncheon | English Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
- Beckoning: To signal or call someone by a gesture of hand or head; to summon (verb)
Meaning: To gesture for someone to come closer - Interval: A pause or break in activity (noun)
Meaning: A break or pause....
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