Honour in Somerset Maugham's a man of Honour : Maugham as a dramatist

Abstract EN

Somerset Maugham is known mainly as a novelist.

This paper presents Maugham the dramatist.

Many critics have found him a promising dramatist.

He has written 30 plays, then he turns his back upon the theater and writes his autobiographical and most successful novel Of Human Bondage (1915).

Maugham's writing is clear, precise, and simple.

He is described as a realist who is keenly aware of human nature, its concentration and frustration.

His only tragedy A Man of Honour is a play in 4 acts.

This paper concentrates mainly on this play to show Maugham as a dramatist and to show his concept of "honour".

Jenny is uneducated and jealous, but she is sincere in her love for Basil Kent.

She is a barmaid, a baby is expected that is why Basil feels obliged to marry her.

Basil is a gentleman and is repelled by Jenny's vulgarity and sponging relatives.

He has been already attracted by Hilda Murray, a relative of Hallowell ( Basil's friend) and the same of Basil's class.

The baby dies.

Jenny becomes desperately jealous of Basil and Hilda and eventually commits suicide by drowning herself in the Thames.

Maugham surprises his reader at the end of the play.

Basil quickly recovers from his grief and he decides to take life by both hands and enjoy his freedom.