Maugham

“The Colonel’s Lady”
by William Somerset Maugham

WHY DID WE CHOOSE
THIS STORY?
We both like reading psychological
stories and the “The Colonel’s Lady” is
exactly a story about the complexities of
human relationships and the illusions
that people create to maintain their
social status.
GETTING TO KNOW THE
AUTHOR
William Somerset Maugham was an English writer,
born on January 25, 1874 in Paris, France. He is
known for his novels, short stories, and plays that
often depict society and human relationships.
Maugham was educated at Oxford and went on to
work in journalism and diplomacy. His most famous
works include "Of Human Bondage," "The Moon
and Sixpence," "The Razor's Edge," and "Theatre."
Somerset Maugham passed away on December 16,
1965 in Cannes, France.
summary
The poems, which Evie wrote during a summer holiday, reveal a passionate affair she
had with another man. The Colonel, initially dismissive of his wife's literary endeavors,
is shocked to discover the autobiographical nature of the verses. His concern is not for
his wife's happiness or the state of their relationship, but rather for the public's
reaction and the potential damage to his reputation.
The story ends with the Colonel still processing the situation, and there is no indication
of whether the couple will reconcile, separate, or continue in their current state of
emotional disconnect. Maugham leaves the resolution open, allowing the reader to
consider the complexities of their relationship and the societal pressures that have
contributed to their marital disconnection.
disconnection and emotional
distance within a marriage
This theme is explored through the character of Evie,
the Colonel's wife, who publishes a collection of
romantic poems that reveal her secret love affair, and
the Colonel's reaction to this revelation.
societal judgment and hypocrisy

MAIN THEMES: The Colonel is more concerned about what others will
think of his wife's affair than about the state of their
marriage or his wife's happiness. This concern reflects
the societal norms of the time
Gender Roles and Expectations

The story challenges traditional gender roles and
expectations. Evie's affair and her decision to publish
her poems defy the conventional image of a dutiful,
submissive wife.
MESSAGE
A critique of the emotional disconnect and lack
of understanding that can exist within a
marriage, particularly when societal expectations
and double standards stifle personal expression
and fulfillment. The story suggests that true
intimacy and connection in a relationship
require acknowledgment and acceptance of
one's partner's inner life, even when it challenges
societal norms and personal comfort zones.
Rich use of descriptive adjectives and epithets:
- "large and comfortable room",
- "spacious house",
- "all-round sportsman"
- "highbrow books"
- "good-natured, hearty way"
- "pedigree bull"
- "damned penny-a-liner"
Use of archaic expressions:

1. "Ruin seize thee, ruthless king" - using "thee" instead of "you" is considered archaic.
2. "Selling like hot cakes" - though still in use, this expression has archaic origins as hot cakes
were popular in the past.
3. "He gathered up The Times, his letters and the book, and went out." - "gathered up" can be
seen as a more old-fashioned expression compared to just "gathered" or "picked up".
4. "He'd told her he thought it jolly good." - "jolly good" can be considered an archaism; in
modern language, one might say "he thought it was very good" or "he thought it was
excellent".
Descriptiveness and detail:
- "tall, with grey curly hair",

- "creamy skin, light brown hair"
- "He was a public-spirited man, chairman of any number of local
organisations..."
- "Before his marriage he had been in the Welsh Guards."
- His study was a large and comfortable room, with a big desk, leather
arm-chairs and what he called 'trophies of the chase' on the walls.
These language elements help create the atmosphere of the story,

convey characters' inner monologues and emotions, as well as describe
the surroundings and setting in which the action unfolds.
fact 1 fact 2
The Colonel’s Lady by William The very title of the short story hints at
Somerset Maugham is a short story the following misogyny: “The Colonel’s
about Colonel George Peregrine and Lady”. The story, by expression of the
his reaction to a successful book of title, is about Evie. Yet, she is not the
poems entitled When Pyramids Decay most important subject in the story
by E.K. Hamilton. It just so happens title. She is referred to as his property.
that the poetess is his own wife, Eva, As if her value is defined entirely by
who published the book under her him. Which, coincidentally, is exactly
maiden name. how he sees her.
vocabulary Solace – утешение Pull smb’s leg – дурачить
кого-либо
Poignant experience- They drifted apart –
печальный опыт они разошлись
Rave about it – восторгаться/

бушевать Luscious – роскошный
I read it right through a sitting – Я

прочитал это за один присест
To embark on the
Heart-rending pages –
business – начать свой
Душераздирающие страницы
бизнес
WHAT IF...
WHAT IF...
WHAT IF...
WHAT IF...
THANKS FOR YOUR
ATTENTION
Arzy & Mavile

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“The Colonel’s Lady”

by William Somerset Maugham

societal judgment and hypocrisy

Gender Roles and Expectations

Use of archaic expressions:

- "tall, with grey curly hair",

These language elements help create the atmosphere of the story,

Rave about it – восторгаться/

I read it right through a sitting – Я

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