W. Somerset Maugham: The Razor's Edge

LA CLUSTER THOUGHTS:

• Allusions to Christian mysticism. What are Maugham's attitudes toward philosophy and his mode of conveying it to the reader?

• The characterization (or lack thereof) in the novel. Which character is the most sympathetic? Is there a difference between the character which we find personally most positive and which the narrator would like us to most admire? This seems related to Larry's book... who is truly “successful” out of the characters? Is Larry the main character?

• Is Maugham is criticizing the upper classes? Where does he/the narrator see himself in relation to this class? How is the role of “author” represented in the society Maugham describes? Is there a figure in the novel most emblematic of what the “upper class” is? What it should be?

• The religion present in the book: What is Maugham's commentary on Catholicism? How does he pin it against other faiths? How is religion it related to materialism?

• The creation of dichotomies in the book: contemplation v. productivity; wealth v. “tough joints”; gentility v. uncouthness... among others. Is the division Maugham sets out black/white? How does he mix the divisions in his characters?

• Maugham's philosophizing on passion, love, sex, and aesthetic beauty. How is each presented in context of the human relations in the novel? Where is the possibility of mixing?

• Maugham's presentation of “national character.” Does he always remain “the Briton describing Americans,” or does he get at a truer definition of the difference between old and new worlds? Can he be excused for his portrayal of the "Far East" based on the type of culture he lived in?

• The narrator: how much of Maugham is in the Maugham in the novel? Can we/are we meant to trust him? What is his sexual orientation? Does this matter?

• The presentation of the self-discovery archetype and other archetypes present in the book. Is Maugham rooting for a certain type of worthwhile life?