Collected Short Stories Volume Three Summary
W. Somerset Maugham

Collected Short Stories Volume Three Summary

Love Amidst Unusual Circumstances

One of the themes that is addressed most frequently in these short stories is the unusual circumstances from which love can grow. Love grows and blossoms even in the most unlikely circumstances and between the most unlikely characters. For instance, in the story "Sanatorium", Ivy and Templeton fall in love with each other and marry despite the knowledge that their marriage will drastically shorten their lives. It is this show of belief in love, however, that helps Chester and his wife realize that even though Chester may die and his wife may live, there is no need for resentment and anger. At the end of the story they reaffirm their love for each other.

Another odd couple is the Englishman Grantley Caypor and his German wife. Citing the reason that his wife was uncomfortable in England, Grantley has moved his family to a neutral country. Ashenden believes, however, that Caypor's... View more of the Collected Short Stories Volume Three Summary