Orientations by W. Somerset Maugham

"Orientations" by W. Somerset Maugham is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book explores themes of morality, social class, and human relationships through narratives that often reflect Maugham's keen observations of society. The opening story, titled "The Punctiliousness of Don Sebastian," introduces readers to the eccentricities of Spanish nobility and their complex interactions, setting the tone for a work filled with wit and philosophical musing. The opening of "Orientations" presents the character of Don Sebastian, set in the secluded town of Xiormonez, Spain. The narrative unfolds as a traveler, unexpectedly stranded in this remote place, encounters the local duke, who reveals the history and artistry behind his family's tombs. Through rich descriptions, the setting establishes a mysterious atmosphere while delving into Don Sebastian's life, relationships, and regrets, particularly surrounding his deceased wife, Doña Sodina. Their story weaves together themes of love, fidelity, and social expectations, creating a compelling introduction to Maugham's exploration of the human condition. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset), 1874-1965
Title Orientations
Contents The punctiliousness of Don Sebastian -- A bad example -- De amicitia -- Faith -- The choice of Amyntas -- Daisy.
Credits Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net (This file was
produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive)
Reading Level Reading ease score: 80.3 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject Fiction
Subject Short stories, English
Category Text
eBook-No. 31308
Release Date
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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