The Constant Wife by W. Somerset Maugham, book cover

The Constant Wife Summary

by W. Somerset Maugham

4.03 Goodreads · 362 ratingsLiterary Fiction72 pages13-min summary

A wife with her own secret outsmarts her unfaithful husband and gossiping friends, commenting on societal expectations and personal freedoms.

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Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Constance Middleton learns her husband, John, is having an affair with her best friend, Marie-Louise. Instead of reacting with anger, Constance acts indifferent, confusing her gossiping friends. She plans to get a job as an interior decorator, using her financial independence to gain freedom. After a year, she begins an affair with Bernard, an old suitor. When John finds out, he is angry, but Constance explains she is just applying his standards to herself. She suggests a temporary separation, letting her explore her relationship with Bernard while John thinks about his hypocrisy. Constance leaves, and John is left to deal with his double standards and her surprising independence.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Witty, Sophisticated, Ironic, Thought-provoking
Read it if
You enjoy witty, character-driven comedies of manners with sharp dialogue and a feminist undertone, exploring marital expectations and societal hypocrisy.
Skip it if
You prefer fast-paced plots with high stakes or straightforward romantic narratives without moral ambiguity.

The Constant Wife Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. The Unveiling of John's Infidelity

    The play starts in Constance Middleton's drawing-room. Her sister, Martha, and friends, Marie-Louise and Mrs. Culver, try to tell Constance that her husband, John Middleton, a surgeon, is having an affair with Marie-Louise. They think Constance does not know, but she calmly stops their attempts, saying she has known about the affair for some time. Her calm acceptance and lack of upset surprise her sister and friends, who expected a big fight. Constance explains her view on marriage and independence, which upsets them.

  2. Constance's Calculated Indifference

    Later, John comes home, not knowing Constance knows about his affair. Constance calmly tells him she knows about his affair with Marie-Louise. John is at first flustered and defensive but is disarmed by Constance's lack of anger or jealousy. She explains that his affair is convenient because it gives her freedom and does not upset their comfortable life. She even says Marie-Louise is a 'nice woman.' John is confused by her reaction, which is not the tearful accusation he expected, and the talk ends with an unusual, one-sided understanding.

  3. Marie-Louise's Humiliation and John's Discomfort

    The affair between John and Marie-Louise becomes public, leading to Marie-Louise being shunned socially. Her husband, Bernard, is angry and threatens divorce. John feels responsible and increasingly uncomfortable with Constance's calm understanding. Constance, however, remains calm, continuing to treat Marie-Louise kindly, which further confuses John. He expected a wife who would fight for him, not one who would explain his wrongs and be polite to his mistress.

  4. The Return of Bernard and Frederick

    Bernard, Marie-Louise's husband, confronts John, demanding an explanation and threatening to divorce Marie-Louise. John tries to calm him, but Bernard is firm. During this family trouble, Frederick Lonsdale, a charming old admirer of Constance who once loved her, returns from Canada after many years. His return adds a new element; he is clearly still fond of Constance, and she seems happy to see him. Martha and Mrs. Culver quickly notice their renewed friendship.

  5. Constance's Path to Financial Independence

    Constance sees Marie-Louise's social and financial vulnerability after her affair is known. This makes Constance realize a wife's uncertain position without her own money. Wanting to be self-sufficient and more personally free, she decides to become an interior decorator. Despite John's doubts and Martha's disapproval, Constance is determined. She starts to decorate her own home to show her work, proving her serious commitment to this new career, which surprises those around her.

  6. A Year of Transformation

    A year passes, and Constance has become a respected interior decorator. Her business is doing well, and she has the financial independence she wanted. During this time, John has continued his affair with Marie-Louise, though it is now less passionate. Constance's new professional success and self-reliance have changed her, making her more confident. John feels increasingly ignored in their marriage, a reversal of how things were before.

  7. Frederick's Declaration and Constance's Proposal

    Frederick Lonsdale, who has been with Constance during her year of work, tells her he still loves her. Constance, now financially independent and emotionally free, feels the same way. With this new view, she tells John that since she now earns her own living, she does not feel bound by old marriage expectations. She calmly tells him she plans to take a six-week holiday with Frederick, claiming her right to an independent life and a reciprocal affair, just as he had with Marie-Louise.

  8. John's Outrage and Constance's Logic

    John is outraged by Constance's announcement. He cannot understand her reasoning, seeing her proposed affair as a betrayal, despite his own long affair. He argues that a wife's role is different from a husband's, holding onto old double standards. Constance, however, calmly takes apart his arguments, showing his hypocrisy and saying that since she is now financially independent, she has the same freedoms and privileges he has always had. She says their marriage, if it continues, must be based on mutual respect and equality, not subservience.

  9. The Departure and John's Realization

    Despite John's protests and pleas, Constance is firm. She packs her bags and, with a calm and confident manner, leaves with Frederick for their six-week holiday. John is left alone, reeling from what has happened. He has to face the results of his own actions and Constance's unexpected change. The play ends with John thinking, realizing that his 'constant wife' has not only claimed her independence but has also changed the terms of their marriage, leaving him to face an unknown future.

The Constant Wife Characters

Constance Middleton

Protagonist

A seemingly complacent wife who reveals a sharp intellect and desire for independence.

Constance is the central character, initially appearing as the 'constant wife' who tolerates her husband's infidelity with remarkable composure. She is intelligent, philosophical, and possesses a keen understanding of social dynamics and gender roles. Rather than succumbing to despair, she uses her husband's affair as a catalyst for her own self-discovery and financial independence. Her calm, logical approach to unconventional situations challenges societal expectations of women. She is driven by a desire for equality and self-worth, refusing to be merely a decorative appendage to her husband.

Relationships: John Middleton (Husband, whose infidelity she tolerates then reciprocates.); Martha (Sister, who often disapproves of Constance's unconventional views.); Frederick Lonsdale (Old admirer and eventual lover, representing her path to personal freedom.)

John Middleton

Antagonist/Supporting

Constance's husband, a successful surgeon, who struggles with his wife's evolving independence.

John is Constance's husband, a successful surgeon who believes he can enjoy an affair without consequences. He embodies the traditional male privilege of his era, expecting his wife to remain faithful and subservient while he pursues his own desires. He is initially bewildered by Constance's calm acceptance of his infidelity, then outraged when she applies the same standards to herself. His character highlights the hypocrisy of societal double standards, and he ultimately faces the consequences of underestimating his wife's intelligence and resolve.

Relationships: Constance Middleton (Wife, whose transformation challenges his worldview.); Marie-Louise (Mistress, with whom he has a long-standing affair.)

Martha

Supporting

Constance's sister, a conventional woman who is shocked by Constance's modern views.

Martha is Constance's sister and represents the voice of conventional society and traditional morality. She is concerned with appearances and propriety, constantly shocked and disapproving of Constance's philosophical approach to marriage and her later pursuit of independence. She tries to intervene in Constance's life, offering unsolicited advice and judgment, but ultimately fails to sway her sister. Martha serves as a foil to Constance, highlighting the contrast between traditional expectations and modern thought.

Relationships: Constance Middleton (Sister, whose actions and beliefs she often disapproves of.); Mrs. Culver (Friend, with whom she gossips and commiserates.)

Marie-Louise

Supporting

Constance's best friend and John's mistress, who suffers social consequences for the affair.

Marie-Louise is Constance's best friend and John's long-term mistress. She is initially portrayed as someone who enjoys her illicit affair, but when it becomes public, she faces severe social ostracism and the threat of divorce from her husband, Bernard. Her vulnerability and dependence on John highlight the precarious position of women in society who transgress social norms without independent means. She represents the direct victim of the double standard that Constance seeks to dismantle.

Relationships: John Middleton (Lover.); Constance Middleton (Best friend, who shows her unexpected kindness.); Bernard (Husband.)

Frederick Lonsdale

Supporting

Constance's old admirer who returns and becomes her lover.

Frederick is a charming and devoted old admirer of Constance's who returns from Canada after many years. He was deeply in love with her before her marriage and his feelings have not diminished. His reappearance provides Constance with a tangible alternative to her marriage and a means to assert her newfound freedom. He is patient, understanding, and genuinely supportive of Constance's independence, ultimately becoming her chosen companion for a reciprocal affair, enabling her to fully embody her philosophy of equal freedom.

Relationships: Constance Middleton (Long-standing admirer and eventual lover.)

Mrs. Culver

Supporting

A gossipy friend who helps expose John's affair.

Mrs. Culver is a friend of Constance and Martha, part of the social circle that is aware of John's affair. She is a typical society woman, prone to gossip and concerned with social appearances. She participates in the initial attempts to 'inform' Constance about John's infidelity and observes Constance's unconventional reactions with a mixture of shock and fascination. She serves to represent the broader societal judgment and curiosity surrounding the Middletons' domestic situation.

Relationships: Martha (Friend, with whom she discusses social happenings.); Constance Middleton (Friend, whose actions she finds intriguing.)

Bernard

Mentioned

Marie-Louise's husband, who is outraged by her affair.

Bernard is Marie-Louise's husband. Though he does not appear on stage, his reactions to his wife's affair are crucial to the plot. He is furious and threatens divorce, highlighting the immediate and severe consequences faced by the woman in an affair, in stark contrast to John's initial lack of repercussions. His character emphasizes the double standards inherent in the society depicted.

Relationships: Marie-Louise (Husband, whose infidelity he discovers.)

The Constant Wife Themes

Feminine Independence and Self-Sufficiency

This theme is key to Constance's journey. At first, Constance relies on John financially. She sees Marie-Louise's social and financial weakness after her affair is known. This makes Constance become an interior decorator, showing her belief that 'no woman is a constant wife unless she has a constant income.' Her business success frees her from the financial limits that traditionally tied women to bad marriages. This allows her to claim her personal and sexual freedom, shown by her decision to take a holiday with Frederick.

“A constant wife is a woman who has a constant income.”
Constance Middleton

Hypocrisy and Societal Double Standards

The play clearly shows society's double standards for male and female infidelity. John expects Constance to accept his affair with Marie-Louise without question, seeing his actions as a natural male right. But when Constance suggests a similar arrangement, saying she has a right to an affair now that she is financially independent, John is outraged. His arguments show the hypocrisy of a society that gives men sexual freedom but condemns women for similar actions. Constance's calm logic consistently breaks down these double standards.

“What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”
Constance Middleton

The Nature of Marriage and Love

Maugham looks at marriage not as a sacred bond based on love, but as a social and financial arrangement. Constance sees her marriage to John practically, as a comfortable setup that provides security. She separates the emotional part of love from the practicalities of a shared life. Her view challenges the romantic idea of marriage, suggesting that for women, it often means losing personal freedom. The play questions if a true partnership can exist without mutual respect and equal rights, ultimately calling for a more balanced and honest approach to marriage.

“Love is a very good thing, but it's not the only thing. And marriage is a very good thing, but it's not the only thing.”
Constance Middleton

Social Appearances vs. Reality

The play shows the difference between outward social appearances and the true state of relationships. At first, Constance keeps up the appearance of a happily married woman, even knowing about her husband's affair, confusing her friends who care about 'propriety.' The characters often use polite words while hinting at scandalous truths. Constance’s refusal to have dramatic confrontations goes against what is expected of a betrayed wife. This shows her control over her own story and challenges the performative aspects of social interaction.

“I can't see why a woman should make a fuss because her husband is unfaithful to her.”
Constance Middleton

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Dramatic Irony

The audience and Constance are aware of John's affair long before John realizes Constance knows.

Dramatic irony is a key device from the opening scene. The audience is immediately clued into Constance's awareness of John's affair, while Martha, Marie-Louise, and Mrs. Culver mistakenly believe they are subtly breaking the news to an unsuspecting Constance. This creates a humorous tension and highlights Constance's intelligence and control, contrasting with the others' perceived cleverness. It also underscores John's obliviousness to his wife's true nature, making his later shock at her independence even more impactful.

The 'Constant Wife' Moniker

A phrase used ironically to describe Constance's unconventional fidelity.

The title itself, 'The Constant Wife,' is a significant plot device, operating with layers of irony. Initially, it refers to Constance's apparent unwavering loyalty despite her husband's infidelity. However, as the play progresses, Constance redefines 'constant' not as passive fidelity, but as a steadfast commitment to her own principles of equality and independence. She argues that a 'constant wife' is one who is constant to herself, thereby justifying her eventual reciprocal affair. This reinterpretation challenges traditional notions of marital constancy.

The Return of Frederick Lonsdale

A catalyst for Constance's assertion of reciprocal freedom.

Frederick Lonsdale's reappearance serves as a crucial plot device by offering Constance a concrete alternative and a means to enact her philosophical views on marital equality. His enduring love for her provides a safe and willing partner for her proposed 'holiday,' allowing her to demonstrate that her demand for reciprocal freedom is not merely theoretical but practical. His presence directly facilitates her final act of independence, pushing John to confront the true implications of his own actions.

Constance's Interior Decoration Career

A symbol and means of Constance's financial and personal independence.

Constance's decision to become an interior decorator is a powerful symbolic and practical plot device. It represents her rejection of economic dependence and her active pursuit of self-sufficiency. Her success in this career provides her with the financial means to assert her independence, directly linking her economic freedom to her personal and sexual autonomy. It's not just a job; it's the foundation upon which she builds her new, self-determined life, allowing her to challenge traditional marital roles from a position of strength.

The Constant Wife Quotes

“A woman's first duty is to her husband, and her second duty is to her children. But her third duty is to herself.”
Constance Middleton reflects on societal expectations for women in marriage.
“I have always been a constant wife, but I have never been a faithful one.”
Constance reveals her perspective on marital fidelity and emotional constancy.
“The great advantage of being a woman is that one can always pretend to be more stupid than one is and no one is surprised.”
Constance comments on gender roles and societal perceptions of women's intelligence.
“I think it's a mistake to expect too much of marriage. It's a very good institution for people who like that sort of thing.”
Constance discusses her pragmatic view of marriage as an institution.
“A man can forgive a woman for anything except being cleverer than he is.”
Constance observes male insecurity in relationships.
“The only way to treat a man is to feed him well and then leave him alone.”
Constance offers humorous advice on managing relationships with men.
“I have always found that the best way to get what one wants is to appear not to want it.”
Constance shares her strategy for achieving desires through subtlety.
“It is not the lover who is unfaithful, it is the husband.”
Constance challenges traditional views of infidelity and blame in marriage.
“The great thing about money is that it makes you independent of other people's opinions.”
Constance emphasizes the importance of financial independence for women.
“I have never understood why people make such a fuss about love. It's a very overrated emotion.”
Constance expresses her cynical view of romantic love.
“A woman should be able to earn her own living. It gives her a sense of freedom that nothing else can.”
Constance advocates for women's economic self-sufficiency.
“The tragedy of life is not that we don't get what we want, but that we get it and find it isn't what we wanted.”
Constance reflects on the disillusionment that can follow achieving desires.
“I have always believed that the best way to keep a man is to let him think he is free.”
Constance shares her philosophy on maintaining relationships through perceived freedom.
“There is no such thing as a constant love, only a constant interest.”
Constance redefines constancy in relationships beyond romantic love.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What is the central secret that Constance Middleton's friends are trying to reveal to her at the beginning of the play?

    1. That her husband is planning to leave her for another woman
    2. That her husband is having an affair with her best friend, Marie-Louise
    3. That her husband has lost all their money in a bad investment
    4. That her best friend is secretly in love with Constance herself
    Show answer

    B. That her husband is having an affair with her best friend, Marie-Louise The play opens with Constance's friends dropping hints about her husband John's affair with her close friend Marie-Louise, which Constance pretends not to notice, setting up the central dramatic irony.

  2. Question 2

    How does Constance Middleton initially respond to the hints about her husband's infidelity?

    1. She becomes hysterical and confronts her husband immediately
    2. She remains cool and seemingly oblivious, pretending not to understand
    3. She immediately seeks a divorce lawyer
    4. She confides in her mother about her suspicions
    Show answer

    B. She remains cool and seemingly oblivious, pretending not to understand Constance maintains a facade of ignorance and composure despite her friends' obvious hints, which surprises them and creates comedic tension as they try to make her acknowledge the affair.

  3. Question 3

    What surprising idea does Constance reveal about her views on marriage and infidelity?

    1. She believes women should always forgive their husbands' affairs
    2. She thinks both spouses should have the freedom to pursue affairs if they wish
    3. She advocates for complete celibacy within marriage
    4. She insists that infidelity should always lead to immediate divorce
    Show answer

    B. She thinks both spouses should have the freedom to pursue affairs if they wish Constance develops a radical view that marriage should allow both partners equal freedom, including the possibility of affairs, which she articulates as part of her plan for independence.

  4. Question 4

    Why does Constance decide to take a job as an interior decorator later in the play?

    1. To prove to her husband that she can be successful in business
    2. To earn her own money and achieve financial independence from her husband
    3. To get away from her friends who keep gossiping about the affair
    4. To secretly investigate her husband's business dealings
    Show answer

    B. To earn her own money and achieve financial independence from her husband Constance takes the job to gain economic self-sufficiency, which is crucial to her plan of asserting equality in her marriage and having the freedom to make her own choices.

  5. Question 5

    How does Constance's mother, Mrs. Culver, react to Constance's unconventional views on marriage?

    1. She is horrified and tries to talk Constance out of her ideas
    2. She is surprisingly supportive and understanding of Constance's perspective
    3. She remains completely neutral and refuses to discuss the matter
    4. She secretly informs John about Constance's plans
    Show answer

    B. She is surprisingly supportive and understanding of Constance's perspective Mrs. Culver, though representing an older generation, shows pragmatic support for Constance's desire for independence, highlighting the play's exploration of changing social norms.

  6. Question 6

    What is the significance of the play's title 'The Constant Wife' in relation to Constance's character?

    1. It refers to her unwavering loyalty to her husband despite his affair
    2. It ironically highlights her constancy in maintaining her independence and self-respect within marriage
    3. It describes her constant worrying about her husband's behavior
    4. It refers to her constant efforts to please her friends and family
    Show answer

    B. It ironically highlights her constancy in maintaining her independence and self-respect within marriage The title plays with the word 'constant'—while traditionally meaning faithful, here it underscores Constance's steadfast commitment to her principles of equality and personal freedom, even as she remains married.

  7. Question 7

    What does Constance do with the money she earns from her job?

    1. She donates it all to charity to make a point about materialism
    2. She saves it to eventually leave her husband and start a new life
    3. She uses it to repay her husband for her years of dependency, symbolically buying her freedom
    4. She invests it in her husband's business to gain control over him
    Show answer

    C. She uses it to repay her husband for her years of dependency, symbolically buying her freedom In a key scene, Constance calculates what she would have earned as a wife and pays John back, demonstrating her financial independence and redefining their marital relationship on equal terms.

  8. Question 8

    How does John Middleton react when Constance finally confronts him about the affair and reveals her own plans?

    1. He is relieved and agrees to an amicable divorce
    2. He is shocked and outraged, feeling betrayed by her deception
    3. He laughs it off as a joke and refuses to take her seriously
    4. He immediately ends his affair with Marie-Louise and begs for forgiveness
    Show answer

    B. He is shocked and outraged, feeling betrayed by her deception John is taken aback by Constance's calm revelation that she has known about the affair all along and by her declaration of independence, which challenges his assumptions about their marriage.

  9. Question 9

    What broader social critique does Maugham make through Constance's actions in the play?

    1. He criticizes the idleness of upper-class women and advocates for traditional housewifely duties
    2. He satirizes the double standards in marriage where men's infidelity is tolerated but women's is not
    3. He promotes the idea that women should always prioritize family over personal ambition
    4. He argues that affairs are harmless and should be ignored by both spouses
    Show answer

    B. He satirizes the double standards in marriage where men's infidelity is tolerated but women's is not The play uses comedy to expose the hypocrisy of early 20th-century British society, where men's extramarital affairs were often winked at while women were expected to remain faithful and dependent.

  10. Question 10

    In the final act, what does Constance propose as the new terms of her marriage to John?

    1. That they separate legally but continue living together for appearance's sake
    2. That they have an open marriage where both can take lovers if they wish
    3. That she will now have the same freedom he enjoyed, including taking a lover if she chooses
    4. That he must fire Marie-Louise's husband from his firm to atone for the affair
    Show answer

    C. That she will now have the same freedom he enjoyed, including taking a lover if she chooses Constance asserts her right to equality by declaring that she may take a lover, just as John did, symbolically balancing the scales of their marriage and asserting her autonomy.

The Constant Wife FAQ

What is 'The Constant Wife' about?

The play follows Constance Middleton, a wealthy London housewife in the 1920s, who discovers her husband John is having an affair with her best friend Marie-Louise. Rather than confronting them directly, Constance maintains a facade of ignorance while secretly planning her financial independence and eventual freedom.

Why should I read 'The Constant Wife'?

It offers a witty, ahead-of-its-time exploration of marriage, infidelity, and female autonomy in 1920s society. Constance's clever manipulation of social expectations and her ultimate declaration of independence provide both sharp comedy and thought-provoking commentary on gender roles.

What is the background/setting of 'The Constant Wife'?

Set in fashionable London drawing rooms in the 1920s, the play reflects the post-WWI social changes where traditional Victorian values were giving way to more modern attitudes about marriage and women's roles, though still within an upper-class framework.

What are the most memorable quotes?

"I have always been entirely faithful to you, John. In my fashion." This line captures Constance's subtle rebellion. Also significant: "A woman's fidelity is a matter of opportunity" and Constance's final declaration about wanting to earn her own living rather than being financially dependent.

What writing style does the author use?

Maugham employs sophisticated drawing-room comedy with crisp, witty dialogue that reveals character through subtext. The dialogue appears superficial but carries deep implications about marriage, fidelity, and social hypocrisy in upper-class society.

What minor details add significant meaning?

Constance's repeated refusal to acknowledge the obvious affair despite everyone's hints demonstrates her strategic patience. Her calm acceptance of gifts from her husband's mistress Marie-Louise shows her subtle control over the situation while maintaining social appearances.

What are some subtle foreshadowing moments?

Early conversations where Constance discusses women's economic dependence foreshadow her eventual decision to become financially independent. Her calm reactions to others' gossip about the affair hint that she has a larger plan rather than simply being oblivious.

What unexpected character connections exist?

The most significant is between Constance and her mother Mrs. Culver, who surprisingly supports Constance's unconventional approach to the affair. Also notable is how Constance's friend Barbara becomes an unwitting pawn in Constance's social maneuvering.

What are unspoken character motivations?

Constance's primary motivation isn't revenge but securing financial independence and personal freedom. John Middleton's affair stems from boredom and entitlement rather than deep dissatisfaction. Marie-Louise seeks social status and excitement rather than true love.

What psychological complexities do characters exhibit?

Constance demonstrates remarkable emotional control and strategic thinking, using society's expectations against itself. John shows cognitive dissonance - expecting fidelity from his wife while indulging himself. Marie-Louise displays both guilt and entitlement about the affair.

What are the major emotional turning points?

The key turning point occurs when Constance reveals she has known about the affair all along and announces her plan to work and become independent. Another significant moment is when she calmly negotiates the terms of her departure with John, treating marriage like a business arrangement.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

Constance transforms from a seemingly passive wife to an equal partner who renegotiates her marriage on her terms. Her relationship with John shifts from traditional wifely dependence to a more honest, if detached, arrangement. Her friendship with Marie-Louise becomes a tool for her liberation rather than a source of pain.

Which parts remain ambiguous or open-ended?

Whether Constance ever loved John, or if she viewed marriage primarily as an economic arrangement from the beginning. Also ambiguous is whether her planned affair with Bernard Kersal represents genuine desire or calculated rebellion against double standards.

What are controversial scenes or decisions?

Constance's decision to financially profit from her husband's affair by accepting expensive gifts from Marie-Louise is controversial, as is her calm announcement that she plans to have her own affair once she's economically independent, treating infidelity as transactional rather than emotional.

'The Constant Wife' ending explained: how it ends & what it means

Constance announces she's leaving for a year-long trip with another man, having secured financial independence through a business venture. The ending suggests she has reclaimed her autonomy and will experience the same freedoms her husband enjoyed, challenging the double standard of marital fidelity.

What is Constance's true attitude toward her husband's affair?

Constance views the affair as an opportunity rather than a betrayal. She recognizes that society grants men sexual freedom while demanding women's fidelity, and she uses John's infidelity as justification to pursue her own independence and experiences.

How does the play critique 1920s marriage norms?

Through Constance's journey, Maugham exposes marriage as an economic transaction where women trade domestic and sexual services for financial support. The play questions why women should remain faithful when men don't, and suggests economic independence as the true path to equality.

About the author

W. Somerset Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham

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.

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