The text under analysis is an extract, it’s The escape by William Somerset

Maugham. He’s famous English writer. His other works include “Liza of
Lambeth”, “Lady Frederic”, “Of Human Bondage”, etc.
It’s example of emotive prose because during the reading of this work,
author tries to provoke emotions of compassion in relation to main characters.
The story is about the complexities of a relationship between a man and a
woman who have their own motivation to be in this relationship because of their
benefits.
The author doesn’t indicate the place and time, we can only guess that it’s
around the turn of the 20th century. The backdrop of this setting allows readers to
immerse themselves in the atmosphere of that era, gaining insights into the cultural
norms, values, and behaviors prevalent during that time. However, it can happen in
any time to any person.
The problem of the text is dedicated to insincerity in relationship between
man and woman.
The text addresses the idea of the consequences of insincerity and the
challenges of extricating oneself from such situations.
The message of the text is about the importance of genuine emotions and
mutual respect in romantic relationships, emphasizing the need for honesty and
authenticity in navigating such connections.
The conflict in the text appears to be primarily internal, experienced by the
protagonist, Roger Charing. It revolves around his struggle with his own feelings,
moral dilemmas, and ultimately his decision to extricate himself from a
relationship he no longer wishes to pursue. While there may be external elements
such as societal expectations or Ruth Barlow's actions influencing Roger's internal
conflict, the core struggle lies within Roger himself.
In the narrative, Roger Charing's initial characterization as caring and
sympathetic is evident in his actions towards Ruth Barlow. He demonstrates his
attentiveness and consideration by remaining attentive to all of Ruth's wishes,
taking her out to dine, sending her flowers, and being sympathetic and charming.
This is supported by the text which states: "He remained attentive to all her wishes;
he took her to dine at restaurants, they went to the play together, he sent her
flowers; he was sympathetic and charming."
As the narrative progresses, Roger's disillusionment with the relationship
and his eventual determination to break free from it further highlights the
complexity of his character. Despite his initial sympathy towards Ruth, Roger
ultimately realizes the insincerity of their relationship and resolves to end it. This
internal conflict is depicted in the text: "Then, on a sudden, he fell out of love. I do
not know why." This excerpt demonstrates Roger's internal struggle and eventual
decision to prioritize his own feelings and happiness.
Similarly, Ruth Barlow is portrayed as a figure of pathos, evoking sympathy
from those around her due to her vulnerable disposition and unfortunate
circumstances. This is evident in the description of her character: "Mrs. Barlow,
for she was twice a widow, had splendid dark eyes and they were the most moving
I ever saw; they seemed to be ever on the point of filling with tears; they suggested
that the world was too much for her, and you felt that, poor dear, her sufferings had
been more than anyone should be asked to bear." This description emphasizes
Ruth's vulnerability and elicits sympathy from both the characters within the story
and the readers.
To my mind the chief episode is the very end of the story, where there are
the letters of the characters, because that episode is the resolution of the conflict.
The text can be divided into several parts: exposition, complication, climax, and
denouement.
There are several stylistic devises:
Metaphor: "He went down like a row of ninepins." This metaphor
emphasizes Roger's sudden downfall or loss of control, likening it to the swift
collapse of a row of bowling pins. The author uses this metaphor to vividly portray
the abrupt change in Roger's circumstances.
Hyperbole: "If she married a husband he beat her; if she employed a broker
he cheated her; if she engaged a cook she drank. She never had a little lamb but it
was sure to die." This hyperbolic statement exaggerates Ruth's misfortunes and
suggests a pattern of unfortunate events in her life. The author employs hyperbole
to emphasize the extent of Ruth's struggles and evoke sympathy from the reader.
Litotes: "My own belief was that she was as hard as nails." This litotes
understates the author's belief that Ruth is actually quite tough or resilient. It serves
to subtly convey the author's skepticism about Ruth's vulnerability and adds
nuance to the characterization.
Irony: "Your happiness must be my first consideration." This statement is
ironic because Roger's actions throughout the narrative suggest that his own
happiness is actually his primary consideration. The author uses irony to highlight
the disparity between Roger's professed intentions and his actual behavior.
Antithesis: "There was an unaccustomed hardness in her voice, but it did not
affect the gentleness of his reply." This antithesis juxtaposes the hardness in Ruth's
voice with the gentleness of Roger's reply, emphasizing the contrast between their
tones and highlighting Roger's calm demeanor in response to Ruth's apparent
agitation.
Simile: "I behaved like an angel." This simile compares the speaker's
behavior to that of an angel, suggesting that they acted virtuously or with great
patience. The author uses this simile to emphasize the speaker's self-perception of
their own moral conduct.
Repetition: "More and more." The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the
increasing intensity or frequency of an action or feeling. The author uses repetition
to underscore the growing significance of the situation or emotion being described.
Gradation: "They were the most moving I ever saw." This statement
employs gradation by comparing Ruth's eyes to all others the speaker has ever
seen, suggesting that they are the most emotionally stirring or impactful. The
author uses gradation to emphasize the depth of feeling conveyed by Ruth's eyes.
Parallelism: "If she married a husband he beat her; if she employed a broker
he cheated her; if she engaged a cook she drank." This parallel construction
highlights the repetitive nature of Ruth's unfortunate experiences. The author
employs parallelism to create a rhythm and draw attention to the pattern of events
in Ruth's life.
Climax: The narrative builds towards a climax as Roger's internal conflict reaches
its peak and Ruth confronts him about their relationship. The author uses the
gradual escalation of tension and conflict to engage the reader and create a sense of
anticipation leading up to the resolution of the narrative.
In conclusion, I find this text engaging and thought-provoking for several
reasons. Firstly, I appreciate the depth of characterization displayed by the author,
particularly in the portrayal of Roger Charing and Ruth Barlow. The complexity of
their relationship and the internal conflicts they face resonate with me, as I can
relate to the challenges of navigating romantic entanglements and the struggle to
reconcile one's feelings with societal expectations.
Additionally, I admire the author's skillful use of literary devices such as
irony, metaphor, and hyperbole to enrich the narrative and convey deeper layers of
meaning. These stylistic elements not only enhance the storytelling experience but
also invite me to reflect on broader themes such as sincerity in relationships, the
complexities of human emotions, and the consequences of societal pressures.
Moreover, the text's exploration of societal norms and expectations
surrounding marriage and relationships provides valuable insights into cultural
attitudes and values, both past and present. As a student of literature, I find it
fascinating to analyze how these themes are depicted and interrogated within the
context of the narrative, prompting me to consider their relevance in contemporary
society.
Overall, I appreciate the text's nuanced portrayal of human relationships, its
exploration of universal themes, and its skillful use of literary techniques. It not
only captivates my interest as a reader but also stimulates my critical thinking and
deepens my understanding of the complexities of the human experience.