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Beauty of Capri as told in Maugham’s Short Story ‘The Lotus Eater’


Maugham’s short story ‘The Lotus Eater’ is set on the island of Capri. It is a place as the author has described is a modern lotusland for its scenic beauty and charm. Situated at the entrance to the Bay of Naples in Italy, Capri Island is famous for beaches, and mild climate, the picturesque measures. The protagonist of the short story Wilson, the lotus eater like the mythical mariners of Ulysses, settles down here to a life of utter indolence and ease bidding adieu to a life of toil and sweat as a Londoner. He looks in the sundry places of Capri forsaking the hardships of a Londoner.

Capri
The island of Capri is on the bay of Naples. The place is associated with its adjoining localities of Pizza, Ana Capri, Montesolaro etc. It is the place where the beauty of the sun set at the Pizza attracts the inhabitants of the world, native and foreign. The blaze of setting sun looks splendid from here. It is the sun like the top of orange deeps into a wine red sea. There is a church nearly whose bells are heard from here. There is the clock tower over the foot path that leads up from the harbour to the church up a flight up steps. It is a perfect setting for an opera by Donizetti. The gathering crowd might at any moment break out into a chorus. It is so charming that it appears to be unreal.
The place is also enticing in its bathe of moonlight. Montesolaro when moonlit eschews the aesthetic pleasures. Capri is also historically rich. The story of Tiberius and the early histories of Roman Empire are associated with it.

Like in Homer’s ‘Odyssey’ Capri serves as the lotus land. Its scenic beauty serves as the intoxication of lotus fruit. The story's protagonist, Thomas Wilson, finds himself captivated by the island's allure as he seeks to escape the monotony of his daily life. Capri's beauty is portrayed through lush imagery that paints a picture of idyllic landscapes, from the azure waters of the sea to the picturesque terraces of villas clinging to the cliffs. Maugham's words transport readers to the enchanting island, allowing them to experience the charm of Capri's winding streets, fragrant gardens, and the breathtaking vistas that stir a sense of wonder and tranquility.

As Thomas succumbs to the island's spell, the beauty of Capri takes on a symbolic significance. The island becomes a refuge from the mundane realities of life, offering respite and solace. Maugham masterfully intertwines the physical beauty of the island with Thomas's emotional journey, showcasing how the allure of Capri becomes a form of escape and a path towards introspection. The beauty of Capri in "The Lotus Eater" isn't merely a descriptive backdrop; it serves as a powerful motif that mirrors Thomas's internal conflict and desire for a different, more fulfilling existence.

 Ardhenduu De
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