Read a concise summary of The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham — a humorous short story about vanity, manipulation, and social irony in a Paris restaurant.
The Luncheon Summary By William Somerset Maugham
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Summary of The Luncheon By William Somerset Maugham
Introduction
“The Luncheon” is a light-hearted but deeply satirical story by the famous English writer William Somerset Maugham. The story is inspired by the author’s personal experience of going out to lunch with a woman. The story shows with humor and irony how people can make others uncomfortable with their behavior, and how a common man can become mentally disturbed by getting caught up in social pretensions.
Although this incident is short, it says a lot — especially about people who talk about “simplicity” and “restraint” in words, but do exactly the opposite in actions.
Brief introduction of the main characters
Narrator:
A struggling young writer, who, despite his lack of money, takes a woman to lunch at an expensive restaurant due to his manners and modesty.
The Lady:
A clever, intellectual looking woman, who describes herself as a ‘low eater’ but is extremely demanding of food.
Beginning of the Story – An Invitation
The author recalls an experience from his youth. At that time he was an ordinary writer in Paris, with very little income and a very ordinary life. One day a woman, who had read his books, writes a letter to him and proposes to meet. The woman praises the author a lot and says that she wants to meet once for lunch.
The author is a little uncomfortable with this proposal because he has no money, but he still says yes. This woman invites him to an expensive restaurant in Paris, ‘Foyot’s’, where the author usually does not go, let alone stand outside it.
Beginning of the Meal – False Restraint
The author reaches the restaurant, the woman is already there. She is full of confidence and says very politely –
“I don’t eat much. I like only a light lunch.”
Hearing this, the author heaves a sigh of relief because he has very limited money. He thinks that everything will be handled easily.
But the real story begins when the waiter comes to take the order.
The woman without hesitation starts ordering expensive food –
First smoked salmon,
then caviar,
then prawns,
then chicken,
then artichokes,
then peaches with ice cream,
and different wines.
The author is stunned. He repeatedly thinks that this lunch will cost him more than his entire salary. But he is unable to say anything because he is bound by shame and etiquette.
Author’s mental state – tension and helplessness
The woman talks throughout the meal – about art, literature, food habits and life in Paris. Each time she repeats that she “eats very little”, while she finishes the entire menu.
The author, on the other hand, is content with a simple salad and half a glass of wine, so that the total bill falls within his limited amount.
He is constantly tense. He keeps thinking:
Will I have the money to pay the bill?
Will I have to ask the hotel manager for a loan?
Will I be embarrassed in the restaurant?
But he remains silent. He feels inferior to the woman, who is more impressive and confident in conversation.
End of the story – Satirical justice
The meal ends. The author somehow pays the bill and then struggles in poverty for several weeks. He is unable to eat properly for months.
At the end of the story, the author tells that now years later, when he sees the woman, she looks very fat and unhealthy.
The author says:
“Now when I see her, I feel a strange satisfaction.”
This sarcastic and humorous remark is the result of all the pain that the author suffered in that one afternoon.
Main Ideas and Messages
✅ 1. Social inequality and pretense:
The woman calls herself a sober person but proves the opposite by her conduct. This story shows the hypocrisy that is often seen in society.
✅ 2. Self-esteem and hesitation of the poor man:
The author feels uncomfortable due to his limited status, but he is bound by his sanskaras and etiquette.
✅ 3. Use of satire and humor:
Humor and satire have been used very beautifully throughout the story. Especially the author’s satisfying comment on the woman becoming fat at the end is very witty but meaningful.
✅ 4. Truth of self-introspection and human behavior:
The author laughs at himself and also learns a life lesson from that situation – sometimes silence also has its own power.
Author’s language and style
Somerset Maugham’s writing style is very simple, sarcastic and impressive. He says deep things even in small dialogues. His stories also have an autobiographical glimpse, which connects the readers directly to the author.
Conclusion
“The Luncheon” is a light, funny but serious truth-revealing story. It is the story of the lunch of a poor writer and a clever woman, but the satire, social sarcasm and analysis of human behavior hidden within it makes this story special.
The story teaches how false humility and selfish nature makes one overlook the troubles of others, and how a person silently endures insults because of his self-respect.
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