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II. The story






I. Introduction

 

1.1 William Somerset Maugham (25 January 1874 – 16 December 1965) was a British playwright, novelist and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and reputedly the highest paid author during the 1930s.

He was born at the British Embassy in Paris. Since French law declared that all children born on French soil could be conscripted for military service, his father arranged for Maugham to be born at the embassy, technically on British soil. He was the fourth son of seven children total, but only four that survived infancy. After losing both his parents by the age of 10, Maugham was sent to the UK to be cared for by his uncle, Henry Maugham His uncle allowed him to travel to Germany, where he studied at Heidelberg University. He also wrote his first book there, a biography of Giacomo Meyerbeer, an opera composer. Later he returned to UK. Not wanting to become a lawyer like other men in his family, Maugham eventually trained and qualified as a medical doctor. Maugham had been writing steadily since the age of 15 and fervently wished to become an author, but as he was not of age, he refrained from telling his guardian. For the next five years, he studied medicine at St Thomas' Hospital in Lambeth, London. The first run of his first novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897), sold out so rapidly that Maugham gave up medicine to write full-time.

During the First World War, he served with the Red Cross and in the ambulance corps, before being recruited in 1916 into the British Secret Intelligence Service, for which he worked in Switzerland and Russia before the October Revolution of 1917. During and after the war, he travelled in India and Southeast Asia; all of these experiences were reflected in later short stories and novels.

 

1.2 I got acquainted just with one book but there are a lot another amazing novels: «Of Human Bondage» - practically autobiographic novel, «The Moon and Sixpence», «The Razor’s Edge», " Theatre", «The Painted Veil».

Somerset Maugham was the master of the short, concise novel and he could convey relationships, greed and ambition with a startling reality.

«Theatre» is one of the most famous roman by Maughem. Irony and brilliant style made his books extremely popular all over the world.

 

1.3 In my opinion he is a good author to read, the story is interesting, characters are attractive, sometimes funny and recognizable. For me it was easier to read, (but from the beginning it wasn`t) There are so many new words for me. To my mind language is a little bit old

 

 

II. The story

 

This story is about Julia Lambert, one of the best and brilliant actresses in London. In her 46 year she has everything - beauty, money, fame. Her marrige is supposed to be ideal her husband Michael is a really reliable and handsome man, she also has an adult son Roger.

She met Michael in Jimmy Langtinton`s troupe. Julia fell in love with him at first sight, but from the beginning it was one-sided love but it was like an aim for her to make him love her to. Michael was absolutely cold temperate at the stage, and in life. Finally, they got married and moved to London.

One day Michael engaged accountant Tom Fennel. Julia`s husband presents him to his famous wife. He knows that the poor accountant is Julia's fan

He was a 25 year younger than she. Julia madly fell in love with him.

But this love affair makes her feel younger and gives her inspiration.

Without showing her feelings to Tom, she tries to bind him to herself. She paid his debts, and presented him expensive gifts.

Julia noticed, that relationship with Tom struck on her reputation. From gossips she knew that Tom has promised Avice Crichton a role in their theater. He is absolutely sure that Julia will agree. Tom doesn't not love, but uses Julia. She cant`t believe that he has preferred a third-rate actress to her, and that Tom strongly fallen in love with Avice. For Julia it was a final blow.

Some time later Tom invites Julia to look at the young actress Avice who, in his opinion, is very talented and could play at Siddons theater. And she promised Tom to give Avice a role but for readers it`s understandable that she is going to take revenge

In order to think and relax, she goes to her mothers' to stay for a while, thinking that it will make the old woman happier. But, the old woman doesn't care, enjoying her routine boring life.

Turning back to London, Julia wants to flirt with the lord Charlz Temerli, who has always been in love with her. But Charlz to her surprise, refused.

 

Her son Roger also give Julia a lot to think over. He says that he doesn't believe her. He even doesn't see her personality but only roles, she has played. Julia doesn't quite understand him, but thought about it: " What if my son is wright? "

 

At a day of a premiere Julia casually faces Tom and enjoys that feel nothing. But she still wants to destroyed Avice's carrier. Eventually she «kill» Avice`s debut. Tom, having forgotten about Avice Crichtone, admires her again; Michael is sincerely delighted.

Julia says " I shall newer in all my life have another moment like this. I'm not going to share it with anyone " and leaves the theatre. Alone. She escapes to a restaurant and orders beer, a beefsteak with onions and oysters. Finally, she is happy. She has found herself and her freedom. Julia disappointed in the sincere feelings, said: " They say acting is only make-believe. That make - believe is the only reality».

 

II. The action takes place in London.

 






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