Orientations

"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.)

William Somerset Maugham was an English writer, known for his plays, novels and short stories. Born in Paris, where he spent his first ten years, Maugham was schooled in England and went to a German university. He became a medical student in London and qualified as a physician in 1897. He never practised medicine, and became a full-time writer. His first novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897), a study of life in the slums, attracted attention, but it was as a playwright that he first achieved national celebrity. By 1908 he had four plays running at once in the West End of London. He wrote his 32nd and last play in 1933, after which he abandoned the theatre and concentrated on novels and short stories.