Somerset Maugham’s" The Lotus Eater": Model Question Paper English Literature Literary Texts

 Difficulty Level:  Graduation        Time: 1hr 30 Mnt

Each Question: Word Limit: 30 

Somerset Maugham’s" The Lotus Eater": Model Questions - Answers 

1Q: Why does the narrator in The Lotus Eater compare most people to tramcars?

A: The narrator compares most people to tramcars because they follow a set routine, going back and forth on the same track without experiencing the freedom and spontaneity of life.

2Q: Who is called 'Lotus Eater'? Why is he so called?

A: Thomas Wilson is called the 'Lotus Eater' because he chooses to live a life of idleness and pleasure on the island of Capri, resembling the mythical Lotus Eaters who indulged in sensual delights and ignored their responsibilities.

3Q: Why did the narrator in The Lotus Eater feel interested in Thomas Wilson?

A: The narrator felt interested in Thomas Wilson because he represented a unique and unconventional lifestyle, contrasting with the societal norms. Wilson's rejection of the conventional pursuit of wealth and success fascinated the narrator.

4Q: What is Piazza? Where is Capri?

A: A piazza refers to a public square or marketplace in Italian. Capri is a small island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the coast of Italy, renowned for its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes.

5Q: Describe the dress of Wilson when the author Somerset Maugham first met him.

A: When Somerset Maugham first met Wilson, he was dressed in a suit of white linen, which was perfectly tailored and immaculate. His attire reflected his preference for elegance and attention to detail.

6Q: How did Wilson first appear to the writer, Somerset Maugham?

A: Wilson first appeared to Somerset Maugham as a gentleman of refined taste and manners. He exuded an air of tranquility and contentment, seemingly detached from the worries and burdens of the world.

7Q: Who is referred to in the line "Her eyes, large and liquid, were the eyes of Hera"? Who was Hera?

A: The line refers to a woman whose eyes resembled those of Hera. Hera is a Greek goddess and the queen of the gods in Greek mythology. She is often depicted with large, expressive eyes.

8Q: Who is the speaker saying, "I think your story is just the Capri title-tattle"? What story is being referred to here?

A: The speaker is Somerset Maugham himself. He is referring to the story he heard about Wilson's life and lifestyle, which was being discussed among the people in Capri.

9Q: Who is the speaker saying, "I should remark here that this was in 1913"? What does he indicate by saying this?

A: The speaker is Somerset Maugham. By mentioning the year 1913, he indicates the timeframe when the events of the story took place, providing context for the narrative.

10Q: Who fell in love at first sight? What was the place?

A: The narrator (Somerset Maugham) fell in love with Capri at first sight. Capri, the Italian island where the story is set, captivated him with its beauty and charm.

11Q: Who said, "If people only knew! It's the most priceless thing a man can have"? Where was it said? What is the most priceless thing referred to here?

A: Thomas Wilson said this to Somerset Maugham while discussing his lifestyle on Capri. Wilson refers to freedom as the most priceless thing a man can have, emphasizing the value of living life on one's own terms.

12Q: How long had Wilson been staying at Capri when the writer of The Lotus Eater first met him?

A: Wilson had been staying at Capri for twenty years when Somerset Maugham first met him.

13Q: What was Wilson before he came to stay permanently at Capri?

A: Before settling permanently at Capri, Wilson was a successful stockbroker and a member of the London Stock Exchange.

14Q: How did the wife and daughter of Wilson die?

A: Wilson's wife and daughter died in a tragic accident. They were traveling in a car that plunged off a cliff on the Amalfi Drive, resulting in their unfortunate demise.

15Q: What was Wilson's age when he came to settle at Capri?

A: When Wilson came to settle at Capri, he was in his early fifties, seeking a change of lifestyle after the loss of his wife and daughter.

16Q: How does the narrator in Maugham's story, The Lotus Eater, describe Wilson's house?

A: The narrator describes Wilson's house as a beautiful villa perched on a hillside in Capri. It is surrounded by a lush garden filled with colorful flowers and offers a stunning view of the sea.

17Q: Who is the speaker saying, "That settled the matter for me"? What was the matter? How was it settled?

A: The speaker is Somerset Maugham. The matter refers to Maugham's decision to stay in Capri and adopt a similar lifestyle to Wilson's. By observing Wilson's contentment and unconventional approach to life, Maugham's mind was made up, and he decided to embrace the same path.

18Q: Why did Wilson purchase an annuity for twenty-five years? How did he procure the money?

A: Wilson purchased a twenty-five-year annuity to secure his financial independence and ensure he could continue his leisurely lifestyle on Capri. He procured the money through his successful career as a stockbroker, accumulating sufficient wealth to sustain himself comfortably.

18Q: Who is referred to in the line, "No one looking at his neat, prim face could have thought him capable of an unconventional action"? What was the unconventional action that the person was capable of? Why is it called unconventional?

A: The line refers to Thomas Wilson. The unconventional action he was capable of was abandoning his previous life of wealth and societal expectations to pursue a life of idleness and pleasure. It is considered unconventional because it deviated from the norm and went against the expectations of society.

19Q: Who were Wilson's favorite music composers?

A: Wilson's favorite music composers were Beethoven, Mozart, and Wagner. He had a deep appreciation for classical music and often enjoyed listening to their compositions on Capri.

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