There is an old Chinese proverb that basically means if one does not listen to the elders, one is to suffer immediately. The older I become, the more agreeable I’m to the saying.
What an amazing author..as if he actually knew of the unfortunate liaison. Somerset Maugham certainly holds the listeners' interest right to the end just the readers of the story too must have done. Bery dramatic ending indeed
Unless I'm mistaken, this story is nearly identical to one by Victor Hugo. As for Maugham being a "terrible storyteller" in the comments below, I think the author of that statement must consider that a writer dead these many years and still being published and read, would belie that claim.
@@PippaAT I wish it had been spoiled for me! In truth, I'm sorry for ruining it for you. It's also not as enjoyable as the other short stories I've read from this author.
What a sad waste. Her parents were right about the young man. He would have tired of her eventually whether they were married before or after his prison stay.
Sometimes Maugham's novels have unbearably tragic endings but I was absolutely shaken by this one, and, for once, I'm not entirely sure it's right. I thought this might have happened later, but not when it did.
Who do they think they are, Gracie's parents? Sounds like the same thing Gracie's parents did, self righteous pompous behinds! Gracie's a fighter, she'll see it through!!
One more story like this and I’ll join Gracie! Maugham is a terrible story teller! I’m giving him ONE more chance and if the next read is as disappointing as this one, I’m done with Maugham!
Again lacking sense of gratitude for all that you have and God has given to you, without you even asking. No spiritual sense or depth of understanding. This is the root cause analysis.
TB isn't contagious. If a family member has TB, there is a low possibility of being infected but even then with sensible precautions they won't catch it.
Contagion depends upon living conditions. TB was a serious public health threat in the early 20th century, including in London. In addition, people lived in less well-ventilated spaces and London air quality was often extremely hazardous to lung health. People also spit in the streets which also contributed to unsanitary conditions. A number of celebrated authors contracted TB during their lifetimes, including Somerset Maugham.
TB has been highly contagious. I have a personal experience regarding the fact. In the primary school,we had a professor who was hiding his TB and he infected almost half the classroom. As I was always sitting in the very front,close to him,I was one of them. Eventually the situation was discovered as we had regular check ups and to cut it short,I had to take the pills for a year,before I was pronounced healthy. The thing is, the contagiousnes depends whether one's TB is in an active phase or not. His was in the active phase.
TB spreads person to person through the air. When a person with infectious TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, tiny particles containing M. tuberculosis may be expelled into the air. www.cdc.gov › media › pdfs
