Class 10 English Notes Maharashtra Board – Chapter 4.2: The Luncheon
Class 10 English Notes Maharashtra Board – Chapter 4.2: The Luncheon
Chapter Title and Brief Introduction 📚
Chapter 4.2: The Luncheon is a humorous and witty short story that narrates the writer’s experience of a lunch invitation gone unexpectedly. The story highlights themes of hospitality, social etiquette, and human nature, all told through a light-hearted and entertaining narrative.
Author Information ✍️
The story The Luncheon is written by W. Somerset Maugham, a renowned British playwright, novelist, and short story writer. Maugham is celebrated for his sharp wit, keen observation of human behavior, and storytelling that blends humor with social commentary. His works often explore the complexities of human relationships and society.
Summary of the Chapter 📝
In The Luncheon, the narrator recalls being invited to lunch by a lady he met once before. Expecting a modest meal, he is surprised to find the lady is very fond of expensive food and insists on ordering the most costly dishes. The narrator, not wanting to offend her, agrees despite his limited funds. The lady’s appetite leads to an extravagant meal, and the narrator struggles to pay the large bill. The story ends with a humorous twist revealing the lady’s lack of concern about the cost and the narrator’s lingering surprise at the situation.
New Words and Meanings 📖
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Luncheon | A formal lunch |
| Extravagant | Excessively costly or elaborate |
| Modest | Simple and not expensive |
| Hospitality | Friendly and generous reception |
| Appetite | Desire for food |
| Humorous | Funny or amusing |
| Etiquette | Conventional manners |
Figures of Speech with Examples 🎭
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Irony: The narrator expects a simple meal but ends up with an extravagant luncheon.
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Hyperbole: The lady orders more expensive dishes than she can possibly eat.
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Humor: The narrator’s polite endurance of the expensive meal is depicted in a funny way.
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Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the food and setting create mental pictures for the reader.
Poetic Appreciation (Not Applicable) 🚫
The Luncheon is a prose story, so poetic appreciation is not applicable here.
Grammar and Language Study 📚
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Tenses: Predominantly past tense, narrating past events.
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Reported Speech: Example — The lady said, "Order whatever you like."
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Phrases and Idioms:
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To foot the bill – to pay the bill.
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To have an appetite – to feel hungry.
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Vocabulary: Use of polite expressions and formal tone in dialogue.
Important Exam Questions with Answers ❓
Q1: Describe the lady who invited the narrator to lunch.
The lady is portrayed as hospitable but with a large appetite for expensive food. She orders lavish dishes without concern for the cost, showing her fondness for luxury and disregard for financial limits.
Q2: Why was the narrator surprised during the luncheon?
He was surprised because the lady ordered very expensive food, much more than he expected, and he had to pay the huge bill despite his modest means.
Q3: What is the central theme of The Luncheon?
The story highlights social manners, hospitality, and the humorous consequences of politeness when faced with extravagance.
Q4: How does the author create humor in the story?
Through the narrator’s polite endurance of the expensive meal and the lady’s obliviousness to the cost, Maugham creates a funny and ironic situation.
Q5: What lesson can be learned from The Luncheon?
One should be aware of social situations and the consequences of excessive politeness. It also cautions against extravagance and insensitivity to others’ means.
Central Idea or Moral Message 🌟
The Luncheon teaches us about the humorous side of social etiquette and human behavior. The story reveals how politeness and fear of offending others can sometimes lead to uncomfortable or costly situations. It also subtly critiques those who, without considering others’ feelings or resources, behave extravagantly. The narrator’s experience reminds readers to balance kindness with practicality and to be mindful of social cues. This tale encourages us to maintain sincerity in our interactions and to be cautious when accepting invitations that may exceed our comfort or means. Ultimately, it’s a lighthearted reminder of the complexities of hospitality and human nature.
Previously Asked Board Questions (Last 5 Years) 📅
Q1: What is the theme of the story "The Luncheon"? (2 marks)
The theme of The Luncheon is about social manners and the humorous consequences of excessive politeness when the narrator is invited to an unexpectedly expensive meal.
Q2: Describe the narrator’s feelings during the luncheon. (3 marks)
The narrator felt polite and hesitant to refuse the lady’s orders but was surprised and worried as the lady kept ordering expensive dishes. He was anxious about the large bill but did not want to offend his guest.
Q3: How does the story end? Explain the twist. (4 marks)
At the end, the narrator is left to pay the large bill alone, highlighting the lady’s obliviousness to the cost. The twist lies in the narrator’s humorous reflection on the extravagance of the luncheon and how the lady was unaware or unconcerned about the expense.
Q4: How does Maugham use humor in the story? Give examples. (5 marks)
Maugham uses humor through the narrator’s polite endurance and the lady’s excessive appetite for costly dishes. The irony of the narrator’s shock at the bill and the lady’s oblivion adds to the comedy. The exaggerated descriptions of the food and the situation create a humorous tone.
Practice Questions and Answers (20 Questions) ✍️
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Who invited the narrator to lunch?
Answer: A lady whom the narrator met once before invited him to lunch. -
What kind of food did the lady order?
Answer: She ordered expensive and extravagant dishes. -
Why did the narrator not refuse the lady’s orders?
Answer: Because he did not want to offend her. -
How did the narrator feel about the bill?
Answer: He was shocked and worried about paying the large amount. -
What is the tone of the story?
Answer: Humorous and light-hearted. -
Define the word ‘luncheon’.
Answer: A formal lunch. -
What lesson does the story teach about hospitality?
Answer: It teaches that hospitality can sometimes be overwhelming and costly if not managed well. -
Mention one figure of speech used in the story.
Answer: Irony. -
What does the narrator remember about the lady’s appetite?
Answer: That she had a very large appetite and ordered a lot of food. -
How does the story reflect on social etiquette?
Answer: It shows the complexities and sometimes awkwardness of politeness in social situations. -
Who is the author of The Luncheon?
Answer: W. Somerset Maugham. -
What is the mood of the story?
Answer: Amusing and light-hearted. -
Why is the story called The Luncheon?
Answer: Because the main event and setting revolve around a lunch meeting. -
What does the narrator think about the lady’s behaviour?
Answer: He finds it humorous but also overwhelming. -
How is exaggeration used in the story?
Answer: The lady’s excessive ordering is an exaggeration to show extravagance. -
What feelings does the story evoke?
Answer: Humor mixed with a sense of sympathy for the narrator. -
What social lesson can be learned?
Answer: To be aware of others’ feelings and financial limits in social situations. -
What does ‘foot the bill’ mean?
Answer: To pay the bill. -
How does the narrator describe his experience?
Answer: With wit and humor, showing his polite discomfort. -
What is the main conflict in the story?
Answer: The conflict between politeness and financial discomfort.
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