Synopsis.

Thomas Wilson is a strange person. He is a former bank manager who wishes to only live for twenty
five years. He has enough money to live until sixty. Wilson wishes to enjoy his life amidst the beauty in
The Island of Capri. But when his money finishes, he is not able to kill himself. He continues living in
the cottage by borrowing money from his landlord. When he is told to leave the cottage, he attempts
to kill himself. But he fails to do so and becomes ill. He is a changed person. His life becomes
meaningless and he lives like a wild animal. In the end, he dies under the moonlight on the hillside.

Summary..

he writer visits a friend in the Island of Capri, Bay of Naples, Italy. He comes across a person sitting on
the side of the hill and looking out to the sea. The person is about fifty and wears old clothes. The
writers friend tells him about Thomas Wilson who plans to die when he reaches the age of sixty. The
writer is taken aback, and asks his friend why he says that Wilson will only live until he is sixty. The
friend replies that Wilson plans to end his life when he reaches sixty. Wilson plans to live for twenty
five year with the money he has. He has money to live for only that time, and when his money
finishes, he plans to kill himself. He has been living on the Island of Capri since arriving at the age of
thirty five.

The writer meets Wilson

The writer finds a sudden interest in Wilson and wants to meet him, as the decision he has made is not
what many people would do. People do not normally make major decisions that affect their lives, and
prefer living a simple life. Only very few people contemplate on taking their own lives. The writer
meets Wilson when his friend invites him to join them for dinner.

Wilson Speak of his Plan

Wilson admits to the writer that he has fallen in love with the Island of Capri on his first trip some
sixteen years ago. He has fallen in love with the place when he first sets eyes on it. He has seen people
merry-making on the Feast of Assumption. Everyone feels happy. But the real reason he chooses to
live the rest of his on the island is its impeccable beauty under the moonlight.

Wilson lives on his own as both his wife and daughter have died. He also has neither close relatives nor
friends. Wilson has left his job as a bank manager where he has been working for seven years. He
works for a year to collect money and buys an annuity (a kind of insurance policy) which provides a
yearly income on a regular basis. He has given up everything, sold his houses, and collected his
savings just to be in Capri because he is mesmerised by its beautiful sun, sea and moonlight. He plans
to only live until his money finishes, which is when he reaches the age of sixty. But, Wilson does not
reveal what he intends to do with his life or how he is going to end it. The writer fears that he intends
to do some irrational act, but does not bother about it as it is Wilsons life, and he has absolute
control over it.

The Writer Visits Wilsons Place

The writer visits Wilsons place. He lives in a cottage, which is small and is located in a vineyard away
from town. The cottage provides a beautiful view of the sea. There is a big flowering tree and there are
bright flowers on it. It is a beautiful sight. Wilson lives all alone accompanied by books, a piano, and
cards. He plays the piano and the writer realises that Wilson enjoys it.

The writer comes to know of everything about Wilson. He is happy to be all alone or be to himself. He
is happy to meet people from time to time, and at such time, he speaks interestingly. But, the writer
thinks that Wilson lives a boring life.

The Writer Returns to Capri

Soon the writer leaves for England and a year later the First World War starts. The writer only arrives
in Capri after thirteen years. The writer meets his friend again. Coincidently, they talk about Wilson.
The writers friend lives in Wilsons cottage now as he has bought it. The writer is eager to know what
has happened to Wilson. Has he committed suicide at the age of sixty? His friend reveals the sad story
of Wilson.

When Wilson reaches the age of sixty, his money has finished. Fortunately, he is able to borrow some
money to continue living. He has told the landlord that his money would come soon. So, the landlady,
Assunta, continues to provide her services; cleaning the cottage and cooking his meals daily. Wilson
manages to live under such pretext for over a year. But he luck runs out, and his landlord tells him to
leave if he does not pay his rent.

Wilson Attempts Suicide

On the day the landlord tells him to leave, Wilson attempts suicide at night. He starts a fire using
charcoal in his bedroom while the windows are all shut. Assunta discovers him the next morning, when
she arrives with breakfast. Fortunately, he is alive but becomes ill. Both Assunta and her husband,
take him to the hospital where his condition gets better. But, he is no more the same Wilson; he has
changed. The writer visits him at the hospital but he is not able to recall the writer. The writer thinks
that apparently the smoke has affected his mind.

Wilson Lives a Miserable Life

Assunta and her husband allow Wilson to live in a woodshed, which is located behind their house. He
takes care of their goats and chicken and they give him food. The woodshed is very uncomfortable to
live in. It is extremely hot during summer, and on the other hand, is freezing cold during winter.
Wilson does not want to meet people and walks all alone in the hills. The writer admits it is a
miserable way to live. But, the writers friend explains that Wilson is the one who chooses the way he
wishes to live. It is his choice of life.

Why Wilson Fails to Commit Suicide?

The writers friend is puzzled why Wilson fails to kill himself. The writer explains that Wilson has lived
without making any major decisions in his life for the past twenty five years. When it is time for him to
make the most important decision to take his own life, he is not able to do so.

Wilsons Pathetic Condition

The writer and his friend come across Wilson when they go for a walk. Instead of meeting them,
Wilson hides behind a tree. The writer notices that Wilson appears like a wild animal. Once they pass
him, Wilson runs away. That is the last time the writer sees him. Wilson lives for six years in the
woodshed and dies on the hillside, on a night when the full moon appears. He dies overlooking the
impeccable Bay of Naples.

Setting..

Setting in a short story refers to the place or geographical location where a story
takes place. Setting also relates to a particular time that is referred in the story.
Setting includes the environment or physical space, the atmosphere or situation
that causes an event to take place, and the socio-cultural contexts of the people
involved or portrayed in the story.
The story is mainly set in The Island of Capri, Bay of Naples, Italy before the 1900s
and after that period (before and after the First World War). Apart from the island,
the setting also includes London, where both the writer and main character in the
story come from. The Island of Capri is a beautiful place and its beauty has
mesmerised Wilson that he returns to the island. He plans to live there for twenty
five years before he ends his life. Wilson arrives in the island when he is thirty five
and only wishes to live until he is sixty. The writer visits the Island of Capri in 1913
where he sees Wilson. The writer lives Capri in 1914 for London, just before the First
World War starts, and returns to Capri 13 years later.

The setting tells us about the people in the story based on their socio-cultural or
economic activities. Wilson is an educated person who works in a bank as the
manager. He does not work and just spends his time living a simple life. The writer
is a traveller, and is visiting a friend in the Island of Capri. Assunta and her husband
own properties, and rent their cottage to Wilson. Assunta manages the cottage by
cleaning the place and also cooks for the tenant.

Plot..
plot is the sequence of events in the story. Plot is seen as the structure of the actions or events which
are ordered to give meanings to the story. The events or incidents that take place in a story are
developed based on a particular structure. The structure of the plot entails the 5-stage development in
the short story The Lotus Eater. The 5-stage developments are:

1. The Introduction or Opening Stage (Exposition)

2. The Rising Action Stage
3. The Climax
4. The Falling Action Stage
5. The Closure or Ending (Resolution)

The Introduction or Opening Stage (Exposition):

The story unfolds with the writers /narrators friend telling him about Thomas Wilson. Wilson plans to
die when he reaches the age of sixty. The writer is surprised and wishes to meet Wilson. The writer
meets Wilson and learns about him and his strange intention. Very few people would make a decision
like Wilson, whose approach to life is unrealistic. Wilson does not reveal what he intends to do with his
life or how he is going to end it. The writer fears that he intends to do some irrational act, but does
not bother about it as it is Wilsons life, and he has absolute control over it.

The Rising Action Stage

Wilson has worked for a year to collect money and has bought an annuity (a kind of insurance policy)
which would provide a yearly income to him on a regular basis. He plans to only live until his money
finishes, when he reaches the age of sixty. However, When Wilson money finishes when he reaches
the age of sixty, he continues to live. He borrows some money to continue living by telling landlord
that his money would come soon. Wilson manages to live under such pretext for over a year. But he
luck runs out, and his landlord tells him to leave if he does not pay his rent. Wilson is faced with a
dilemma.

Climax
Wilson attempts suicide by starting a fire using charcoal in his bedroom while the windows are all
shut. He is unsuccessful because he is not determined to take his own life. He has not made any
major decisions for a long time so when it is time for him to make the most important decision; to
take his own life. He is unable to do so.

The Falling Action Stage

He is alive but becomes ill. Both Assunta and her husband, take him to the hospital where his
condition gets better. But, he is no more the same Wilson; he has changed. Assunta and her husband
allow Wilson to live in a woodshed and they give him food. In return, he takes care of their goats and
chicken. The woodshed is very uncomfortable to live in. It is extremely hot during summer, and on
the other hand, freezing cold during winter. Wilson becomes a loner; he does not like to meet people.
Wilson lives a miserable life. But, it is Wilson, who has chosen the manner to live. It is his choice of
life.

The Closure or Ending

Wilson lives for six years in the woodshed. He dies on the hillside, on a night when the full moon
appears. He dies overlooking the impeccable Bay of Naples.

Characters
The main character in the short story is Thomas Wilson, about 50 years of age. The other characters
(minor) are:
- The writer or narrator
- Assunta
- The writers friend
- Assuntas husband

What we can tell about the characters

Thomas Wilson
- unrealistic about life (after attempting suicide)
- emotional/sensitive
- impractical (wishes to live only for 25 years)
- unwise and not far sighted
- irresponsible
- irrational
- insistent, adamant
- undetermined
- indecisive
- selfish, self-centred, loner, loser, reserved,
- easy-going, simplistic, unbothered
- not ambitious
- disillusioned
- dishonest

Writer /Narrator
- realistic/practical (down-to-earth)
- responsible
- contented with life
- curious, interested to know people and about their lives
- friendly
- certain about things in life
- determined
- not judgmental of other peoples characteristics or behaviours
- an avid traveller
- sympathetic
- assertive

Assunta
-sympathetic
- helpful/ kind
- generous/concern/caring
- wise
- assertive
- friendly
- hardworking
-attentive

Writers or Narrators Friend

- friendly and likes to socialise
- educated
-well-mannered
- responsible
- concern/caring

Assuntas husband
- Opportunist
- strict /stern landlord
- money-minded
Theme

Theme is the central idea running throughout the story. There may be more than one theme in a
short story. There are a few themes in the short story The Lotus Eater. The themes are:

Making Decisions
The story involves the theme of making decisions. Decision-making is part and parcel of living.
Everyone needs to make decisions in life, whether it is major or minor. Throughout the story, the idea
of making decision and facing the consequences or the effects of the decision is notable. We notice
that Wilson makes various decisions throughout the story. However, he is not determined or
courageous to make the most important decision in his life; to commit suicide. Wilson fails to make
the decision to take his life. The decisions that Wilson makes are giving up his job, selling his
properties, leaving London, wanting to live for twenty five years, and choosing the way he would like
to live. However, he makes the wrong decisions and his life turns out to be meaningless, empty and
miserable. He is a pauper in the end.

Responsibility
The theme of responsibility is also present in the story. People have responsibility towards their family
and friends. In The Lotus Eater Wilson runs away from responsibilities. He does not wish to take any
responsibility and live a simple live, where he does not need to be responsible to anyone or any
organisation. On the other hand, the other characters show their responsibility. Responsibility is not
only confirmed to the self, but also is extended to family, friends, and organisations. Responsibility
entails making the right decisions in life too.

Making Judgment
The theme of making judgment about someone based on the actions of the respective person or
character. While the readers may be judgmental of Wilson, the writer or narrator is not judgmental at
all. He does not impose his judgment on the readers or influence them. The writer is neutral and says
that everyone is entitled to make his or her decisions in life. However, they have to face the
consequences of their decisions and actions. The writer fears that Wilson intends to do some irrational
act, but does not bother about it as it is Wilsons life, and he has absolute control over it. Making
judgment is an important aspect that runs throughout the story.

Life is precious
The theme also deals with suicide. It is not easy to end ones life. The moral issue on life is; no one
has the right to take his or her life. Life is the gift of God and it is precious. Wilson wishes to end his
life after living for twenty five years or when he reaches the age of sixty. But, in reality it is impossible
to end ones life by limiting the span of life. Even Wilson is unable to end his own life, as he has
planned and decided. The value of life is discussed in the story as one of the themes.

Moral values.

Moral values are important. The story teaches us some moral values.

1. It is important to appreciate the gift of life

The story teaches us to appreciate the gift of life. The gift of life is divine. As human we have a moral
obligation to protect life and not to end it by committing suicide. Life is too precious and Wilson is
unwise to want to end his life upon reaching the age of sixty. We must realise that it is important to
live life to the fullest and not act as a coward by committing suicide.

2. It is important to have a vision in life

The story teaches us have a vision in life. Wilsons life is empty, meaningless and miserable. He fails to
be a success in life. He ends up as a pauper, shuns away from people, living life as if he is a wild
animal. The story teaches us that life would be meaningful if we have a vision or ambition. It is
important for us to develop ourselves as knowledgeable individuals who are able to contribute to the
betterment of the self, society and country. In Wilson case, he has worked as a manager, is well-
educated and should be able to lead a meaningful life. But, he chooses to leave everything behind and
become a rolling stone which gathers no moss. In the end, he ends up living a pathetic life, and his life
is meaningless. The moral of the story is to be positive-minded and have a vision to be a success in
life.

3. It is important to be practical
The story teaches us to be practical and learn to solve problems carefully. There is a need for us to be
realistic in life. It is important for a person to be educated, get a decent job and contribute to the
betterment of society. This is the reality of living in a society. We cannot isolate ourselves and live life
alone. No man is an island, thus we need to be part and parcel of society. Wilson behaves strange,
living on his own, away from people and later, he avoids people. It is very impractical. It is important
to know what is happening around us, living a meaningful and practical life.

4. The importance of being responsible

From the story we learn about responsibility. It is important to be responsible. Throughout the story,
Wilson is irresponsible. He is not a very responsible person as he wants to live a meaningless life and is
willing to end his own life. A responsible person will not be thinking of isolating himself. Moreover, a
responsible person will not be thinking of committing suicide. Wilson is also not responsible as he
cheats his landlady into believing that he will be getting some money soon. He borrows money from his
landlord and does not repay him. He tries to kill himself by starting a fire inside the cottage. Instead of
taking care and protecting the cottage, he behaves like an arsonist. From the incidents in the story,
we learn that responsibility is an important virtue. It is trait that shows that a person is disciplined and
can be trusted.

Language.

The writer uses a narrative style to tell the story. The language is very narrative. The writer uses the
narrative style to provide an account of what he has encountered. The writer wishes to share his
experiences with the audience or readers. He gives detailed descriptions of the characters and the
incidents in the story. The writer is a master story-teller, who uses language and other literary
elements effectively. These other literary devices or elements are imagery, figurative language and
irony.
IMAGERY
Imagery is chosen words or phrases that involve our five senses. These words and phrases give us a
picture-like experience in our mind. The writer also uses words that work on the five senses of the
readers. This provides a wholesome experience to the readers. In The Lotus Eater the sense of sight,
the sense of hearing and the sense of touch, are clearly notable through the use of words and phrase.

The Sense of Sight

The use of words and phrases to relate to physical objects and elements of nature such as moon,
sun, seaside, cottage, vineyard, firewood, chairs, desk, piano, books, cards, woodshed, and hills.
These objects are visualised by the audience as they read the story. These words relate to the sense
of sight as these physical objects and elements of nature can be seen or visualised.

The writer describes the places and the experiences, giving a vivid picture of the geographical
locations and the wonders the Island of Capri holds. This can be noted from:
beautiful island
across the water to Mount Vesuvius
mainland of Italy
hillside and looked across the bay
Bay of Naples by moonlight
the sun and the sea and the moonlight
vineyard far from the town
huge flowering tree
large brightly coloured flowers
full moon

Sense of hearing
The writer uses words and phrases that refer to sound such as long talk, music, Beethoven, and
playing the piano. These words make the readers experience the events in the story in specific
contexts.

Sense of touch
The sense of touch is also important. These words and phrases are used to relate to the sense of
touch; burnt brown by the sun, cold shiver running through, and lit a charcoal fire.

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
Figurative language refers to language that provides more than its literal meanings. This includes the
use of words, phrases and expressions that are rich in meanings. In the short story The Lotus
Eater the writer uses figurative language:
burnt brown by the sun
cold shiver running through
Burning hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter (Metaphor)
he was like a wild animal (Simile)

IRONY
Irony is a literary element or device which is often presented through careful and selected choice of
language by writers and poets. Irony refers to the meaning of something which is of the direct
opposite. In the story The Lotus Eater irony is used effectively. The irony relates to Wilsons inability
to commit suicide. Wilson makes the important decision to take his life when he reaches the age of
sixty, when his money finishes. He is determined to end his life as he has planned to do so. But, when
his money finishes he does not kill himself. He continues to live on. He even borrows money from his
landlord to continue living under the pretext that his money would be coming soon. This is the strong
element of irony. He wishes to end his life but instead continues to live on.
Biography authors.

William Somerset Maugham was an avid traveller, and many on his stories related
to the people he met, places he visited and experiences he encountered throughout
his travels. Maugham was also a keen observer and his stories contained vivid
descriptions of people, places and encounters. Although Maugham died in 1965, his
literary works are still widely read and used as texts in schools and universities in
many parts of the world.

His stories are unique as they are narrative, as seen through the eyes of the
narrator or writer. Maugham does not impose any judgments in his stories, he
leaves it to the readers to make the necessary judgments or form opinions based on
the events in the story or the experiences that the characters undergo. This is also
true of The Lotus Eater where the writer does not make any judgment based on
Thomas Wilsons character and outlook.