Mr. Know-All: A Story by W. Somerset Maugham

Mr. Know-All

W. Somerset Maugham (1874 – 1965)

Literal Comprehension

When the First World War ended, the writer Somerset Maugham decided to travel to Japan from America by ship. It was very difficult to get a good seat on the ship, but he managed to secure a cabin seat. His cabin partner, Max Kelada, was very talkative. At first, the writer thought that he was a Negro, but later he came to know that he was also an Englishman. However, he hated his chatty nature. He introduced himself to everyone on the ship and conducted a lottery auction. He said that he had good knowledge of everything, so they called him "Mr. Know-All". Although alcohol was strictly prohibited, he offered the writer a cocktail.

Once, the writer, Mr. Kelada, and Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay had a chance to have dinner at the same table. Mr. Ramsay was in the consular service posted at Kobe, Japan. He had spent one year alone in Japan because his salary was very low. Now he had come to take his wife with him. Mr. Kelada said that he was going to Japan to examine pearls. He saw a pearl chain around Mrs. Ramsay's neck and said that they were original. When Mr. Ramsay told him to guess the price, he said that they could cost up to 30,000 dollars. But when Mr. Ramsay said that they were false, he didn't believe him, and they had a bet of one hundred dollars. When Mr. Kelada was going to check the pearls, Mrs. Ramsay looked nervous. Although the pearls were original, Mr. Kelada said that they were false to save Mrs. Ramsay. The next day, when she returned his money, the writer was surprised to know the reality. He also realized that Mr. Kelada was really "Mr. Know-All". Then he began to like Mr. Kelada.

Interpretation

The writer may be trying to show humanity and the nature of women. Outer appearances can never represent the inner reality. Although Mr. Kelada is hated by all, he is proved to be the best example of humanity. He became a fool and lost money and prestige, but he saved the happy married life of Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay. This story also shows the dual character of women.

Critical Thinking

Although this story gives a moral lesson, some ideas of the writer are not convincing. After reading this story, we can ask some questions. If alcohol was not allowed to be carried, how did Mr. Kelada offer a cocktail to the writer? Did Mr. Kelada know everything? Then why did people hate him?

Assimilation

I am very much affected by this story. After reading this story, I know that we can't judge people from their appearance. This story also taught me that it is not easy to understand the character and secrecy of women. Now I won't believe in women easily.