Mr. Know All

Somerset Maugham

Literal Comprehension

After World War I, the narrator was going to Japan from America. He had to share his cabin with a talkative man, Max Kelada. The narrator didn’t like him by his name. So, he sought to be far from him. But he couldn’t stay far from Mr. Kelada even in the lunch hour. By talking too much Max Kelada bored everyone in the ship. He believed himself to know everything. Whether he was right or wrong he insisted on winning the argument. So, he was called Mr. Know all. He was hated in the ship. But he didn’t understand it and considered every criticism as a compliment. Once at dinnertime, he happened to argue about pearl with Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Ramsay was also as obstinate as Kaleda. So, they had a bet of hundred dollars on the originality of the string of pearls worn by Mrs. Ramsay. Max Kaleda claimed the pearl to be original, whereas Mr. Ramsay claimed it to be duplicate. Mr. Ramsay also said that it cost only 18 dollars. Max Kaleda took it from Mrs. Ramsay and observed. He found that the chain was original. But when he looked at the face of Mrs. Ramsay, he found that there must be something wrong. Mrs. Ramsay’s face was pale as if she was going to faint. So, later, he told that it was not original and last one hundred dollars. He was insulted by all passengers. Next morning he got an envelope with one hundred dollars note sent by Mrs. Ramsay. Actually, the pearl was original and Mr. Kelada had to tell a lie to save conjugal life of Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay. Mr. Ramsay had left his wife at new work for a year when he was in Japan. Mrs. Ramsay earned that chain by doing some immoral work. Now the narrator knew the reality and started to like him a bit more.

Interpretation

 The story shows the racial prejudice of white against non-white people. The white narrator hates Mr. Kaleda without seeing and knowing him. The story also shows that one can be great not because of his birth, caste but because of his heart and behavior. We should know mankind and humanity, not race and color of skin. Even after knowing Kelada’s generosity and sacrifice of his own prestige for the sake of others, the narrator doesn’t completely like him. Despite being non-white, Max Kelada through his behaviors proves himself to be good.

                                                                           Or

 The story deals with humanity. There is a great difference on what people say, what they do and what they pretend to be. Here, Mr. Kelada is proved the best man though he is hated by all aboard the ship. He saves Mrs. Ramsay and her life making him stupid. He only cares about humanity but not the blames upon him. He loses the money and own prestige to save the prestige of Mrs. Ramsay. On the other hand, the story presents the racial prejudice of white and their hatred for black Kelada believes in humanity and is ready to help all people but he is ridiculed and ill-treated. Besides, this story shows the faithlessness of women. Mrs. Ramsay looks honest but she seems to be involved in an immoral affair in her husband’s absence.

Critical Thinking:

The story is realistic and exciting. It has a better beginning and surprising ending. It shows the nature of human being/conduct. Good people like Kelada are misjudged. It also exposes woman secrecy. Thinking critically, I like to raise some questions. Is it possible to Kelada to know everything? Do people hate the man who is frank? How can Mrs. Ramsay buy expensive pearls? Does anyone accept defeat in a bet for saving others? Except for these points, it is highly appreciative.

Assimilation:

This story is thoughtful and convincing. It has taught me what appears on the surface may not be true. We need good judgment to find the truth. On the other hand, benevolence is the symbol of humanity. I have learned that how women are and what they want.