Read the summary of “Mr. Know-All” by W. Somerset Maugham – This is a charming short story that explores themes of prejudice, cultural differences, and unexpected kindness on a ship. Ideal for students and literature enthusiasts looking for a clear and insightful overview.
Mr. Know All By William Somerset Maugham Summary
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Summary of Mr. Know All By Somerset Maugham
“Mr. Know-All” is a subtle satirical story by the famous English writer William Somerset Maugham that sheds sharp light on social discrimination, prejudice, and human sensibilities. This story is based on a sea voyage, where people of different classes, races and thinking live in the same place, and that is where real humanity is tested.
The most special thing about the story is that Maugham has written it in very simple language, but its moral aspects and social messages are very deep. In this story, through the two main characters – “I” (narrator) and Mr. Max Kelada – the author has criticized human nature, prejudices and superficial views.
Background of the story
This story is set some time after the First World War. Its plot takes place during the journey of a ship, which is going from San Francisco to Yokohama (Japan). There are people of different nationalities on board this ship.
The narrator of the story is an English man who, during his voyage, is forced to share a cabin with a man named Mr. Max Kelada. The story moves forward from this uncomfortable beginning.
Why was Mr. Max Kelada called “Mr. Know-All”?
Mr. Kelada’s behavior is very talkative, self-confident, and interventionist. He gives his opinion on every subject – whether it is politics, alcohol, art, or women’s fashion.
For this reason, the other passengers on the ship, and especially the narrator, call him disdainfully “Mr. Know-All” – which means “one who knows everything.” But this name is not given in a sense of appreciation, but in a sense of sarcasm and irritation.
Mr. Kelada’s posture, speech, eating, drinking, and clothing do not seem to be completely English. Looking at his appearance and name, the narrator considers him to be a resident of “Levante” or Eastern countries. This is where the sense of racial prejudice starts to creep into the story.
Narrator’s Prejudice:
The narrator tells in the very first lines that he does not like Mr. Kelada – without knowing him properly. According to him, he is rude, loud, and intrusive. He considers his manner of speaking, flashiness of clothing, and self-confidence to be the epitome of uncivilizedness.
Here the author shows how we judge a person by his name, color, accent, or attire, even though we do not know his soul.
Turning in the Plot – Testing the Pearl:
The story reaches a crucial point when some passengers on the ship start discussing the identification of pearls. Mr. Kelada claims to have a deep knowledge of pearls because he deals in jewelry and traveling goods.
Mrs. Ramsay, who is also present, who is the wife of an American officer, wears a pearl necklace. Mr. Kelada immediately says that the garland is real and very expensive — while Mr. Ramsey calls it fake and bought from a cheap Japanese market.
Mr. Kelada, as is his habit, insists on the price and authenticity of the garland, and even places a bet of $100.
Real Human Moment – Sacrifice and Understanding:
But when Mr. Kelada looks at the garland closely, a profound change comes over his face. He knows that the garland is real, but after thinking for a while, he deliberately lies and says, “I was wrong. It’s fake.”
On hearing this, Mr. Ramsey becomes happy and gives Mr. Kelada $100 — but Mr. Kelada returns the money.
The narrator is surprised by this behavior. Later he sees Mrs. Ramsay with tears of gratitude in her eyes. This is where he understands that Mr. Kelada deliberately lied, so that Mrs. Ramsay’s reputation and marital relationship could be saved.
The beads were actually real, and this suggests that the beads were given to Mrs. Ramsay by someone else—probably someone other than her husband.
The narrator’s change of perspective:
The narrator who initially thought Mr. Kelada to be a mean, liar and pretentious person, now thinks that he is actually a sensible, sensitive and noble person.
At the end of the story, he writes that it would probably not be appropriate to call Mr. Kelada “Mr. Know-All” ever again.
Key messages/morals:
1. Avoid prejudice and superficial thinking:
It is wrong to judge a person on the basis of his caste, language, colour or speech. The reality of a person lies in his conduct and morals.
2. A person who knows everything is not necessarily arrogant:
Sometimes people who talk a lot are actually very sensible and sensitive too. Mr. Kelada is a beautiful example of this.
3. True humanity lies in sacrifice:
In the story, Mr. Kelada is happy to lose 100 dollars because he protected a woman’s dignity and marital life.
4. First glance assessment is often wrong:
The more the narrator disliked Mr. Kelada, the more he respects him in the end.
Conclusion : –
“Mr. Know-All” is not just a story of a boat trip, but it is a narrative that exposes the layers of social behavior, humanity and prejudices. Mom has taught us in her simple words and sarcastic style that we should not judge anyone by their outward appearance or behavior. Sometimes even people we don’t like teach us the most valuable lessons of our lives.
Mr. Kelada, who chose to remain silent despite knowing everything, is actually not “Mr. Know-All” but “Mr. Understand-All”.
Amazon Link : – William Somerset Books
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q1. What is the main theme of the story Mr. Know-All?
A: The story focuses on racial discrimination, prejudice, and human compassion.
Q2. Why did Mr. Kelada lie?
A: He deliberately lied to save Mrs. Ramsay’s dignity and marriage.
Q3. What message has the author given through this story?
A: We should judge a person not by his caste or speech but by his deeds.
Q4. What is the tone of this story?
A: The story is satirical but ultimately emotional and morally inspiring.
Recommended Reading
I Believe That Books Never Disappear By Jorge Luis Borges
Everything I Need to Know I Learned in the Forest By Vandana Shiva
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