Looking for a complete study guide on The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham? This ultimate guide provides a detailed summary, important questions and answers, extra questions, extract-based MCQs, multiple-choice questions, and word meanings to help Class 11 students excel in exams. You’ll also find The Luncheon summary in Hindi and Urdu for better understanding. Whether you need a quick revision or in-depth analysis, this post covers everything. Perfect for NCERT students preparing for board exams!

- Summary of The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham
- Questions and Answers of The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham
- Major Themes in The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham
- Additional Exam Questions on The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham
- Extract-Based Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) on The Luncheon
- Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) on The Luncheon
- द लंचियन – विस्तृत सारांश (The Luncheon – Detailed Summary in Hindi)
- دی لنچن – تفصیلی خلاصہ (The Luncheon – Detailed Summary in Urdu)
Summary of The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham
In The Luncheon, William Somerset Maugham narrates a humorous yet poignant personal experience that highlights irony and human nature. The story revolves around a luncheon the narrator, a struggling writer in his youth, hosts for a woman who had once admired his work.
A Flattering Invitation
The narrator, living in Paris on a modest income, receives a letter from a woman who praises his writing and expresses a desire to meet him over lunch. Flattered by the attention, he agrees, though she suggests Foyot’s—a restaurant frequented by French senators and far beyond his means. With only eighty francs to last the month, he calculates that a simple meal should not exceed fifteen francs.
The ‘Modest’ Guest
Upon arrival, the narrator is taken aback by his guest’s appearance—she is older and more imposing than expected. She reassures him that she never eats much, which momentarily soothes his financial worries. However, her actions soon contradict her words. She begins with a request for caviare, a delicacy he can barely afford. When he orders a humble mutton chop for himself, she lectures him on the dangers of eating meat while indulging in expensive salmon.
A Series of Costly Choices
As the meal progresses, she continues to order extravagantly. She insists she does not drink, only to later declare that her doctor allows her Champagne. The narrator, trapped in a social predicament, orders half a bottle despite his growing dread. The pattern repeats—she claims she only eats ‘one thing’ yet adds asparagus to her meal, a highly expensive seasonal item. His anxiety escalates as he realises he might not have enough to pay the bill.
The Final Blow
Just when he believes the ordeal is over, a waiter presents a basket of enormous peaches. The woman absentmindedly picks one, pushing the bill beyond what he can comfortably afford. With no money left after paying, he is forced to leave the restaurant penniless.
A Humorous Revenge
Years later, the narrator encounters the woman again. Though he had suffered financial distress that day, he finds solace in one ironic twist—his once ‘modest’ guest now weighs twenty-one stone. While he is not a vindictive man, he takes a quiet, amused satisfaction in how time has repaid her excesses.
Maugham’s The Luncheon masterfully captures irony, social pretence, and financial struggles through witty narration. The story is a blend of humour and satire, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Questions and Answers of The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham
Understanding the Text
1. Although the author was not a vindictive man, he was very happy to see the twenty-one stone lady who had impoverished him twenty years ago, and says he had finally had his revenge. What makes him say this?
The narrator, once financially strained due to the extravagant luncheon, finds ironic satisfaction in seeing the woman now overweight. While he bore the burden of her excessive indulgence that day, time has seemingly ‘punished’ her for her gluttony. This unintended consequence serves as poetic justice, making the narrator feel avenged despite not being vengeful.
2. There are quite a few places where the author uses the expressions ‘my heart sank’, ‘panic seized’ etc. What was the reason for this?
These expressions highlight the narrator’s growing anxiety as his guest continues ordering expensive dishes. With limited money, he dreads the increasing bill, fearing he may not have enough to pay. His helplessness, masked by politeness, intensifies his internal panic, making his predicament both humorous and distressing.
3. Locate instances of irony in the story.
The story is rich in irony. The woman insists she eats very little but continuously orders costly dishes. She advises the narrator against heavy meals while indulging herself. She claims to avoid alcohol but demands Champagne. Ultimately, the greatest irony is that, despite her past restraint on food, she now weighs twenty-one stone.
Talking About the Text
1. People with foibles are often not conscious of them.
The woman in The Luncheon epitomises this notion. She believes in moderation but unknowingly contradicts herself. She preaches dietary restraint while indulging excessively. Her obliviousness makes her actions unintentionally comical, reinforcing how people often fail to see their own shortcomings while easily pointing out those of others.
2. The author’s attempts at keeping up his pretence of friendliness while he was mentally preoccupied with the expense of the luncheon.
Throughout the luncheon, the narrator remains outwardly cordial while internally tormented by financial worries. He forces smiles, engages in polite conversation, and accommodates his guest’s extravagant choices despite his growing panic. His struggle to maintain composure adds humour and irony, as his generosity is a mere façade concealing distress.
Appreciation
1. The author is a humorist
a. How does the story reflect his sense of humour?
Maugham’s humour in The Luncheon is subtle yet sharp, relying on irony and understatement. The contrast between the woman’s self-proclaimed moderation and her lavish eating habits creates comedic tension. The narrator’s exaggerated inner turmoil, masked by politeness, adds to the humour. The final twist—his quiet revenge—concludes the story with dry wit.
b. What makes his lady friend remark—‘you are quite a humorist’?
The narrator, after enduring the expensive meal, wittily remarks that he will have nothing for dinner, hinting at his financial ruin. The woman, oblivious to his suffering, takes it as a light-hearted joke. Her lack of awareness makes the statement ironic, as the humour lies not in his words but in her inability to perceive the situation.
c. Give instances of the author’s ability to laugh at himself.
The narrator’s self-deprecating humour is evident throughout. He mocks his own youthful gullibility, his failure to refuse the invitation, and his naive belief that the meal would be affordable. His exaggerated worries about running out of money and his ‘planned escape’ if short on cash further show his ability to laugh at his past self.
2. How does the first-person narrative help in heightening the literary effects of the story?
The first-person narration makes the story engaging and personal. The reader experiences the narrator’s thoughts, anxiety, and silent frustrations firsthand. His internal monologue—filled with irony, self-mockery, and exaggerated panic—enhances the humour. The perspective also builds suspense, as the reader shares his dread over the rising bill. Furthermore, the final revelation of his ‘revenge’ is more impactful as it feels like a private confession, making the humour sharper and more intimate.
Major Themes in The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham
1. Irony and Satire
The story is steeped in irony, both situational and verbal. The woman repeatedly insists she eats very little, yet she orders the most expensive dishes. She lectures the narrator on healthy eating while indulging herself. The greatest irony unfolds at the end—years later, she has become excessively overweight, contradicting her earlier claims of moderation. Maugham satirises such self-deception and social pretensions through his dry wit and humour.
2. Social Pretence and Hypocrisy
The woman presents herself as refined and restrained, but her actions reveal hypocrisy. She preaches self-discipline yet indulges without restraint. She assumes an air of superiority, advising the narrator on diet, while her own excesses go unnoticed. Through her character, the story critiques people who fail to recognise their own flaws while easily commenting on others.
3. Financial Struggles and Class Divide
The narrator, a struggling writer, hosts a luncheon far beyond his means. His limited resources contrast sharply with his guest’s indifference to the cost. The financial disparity between them highlights the casual entitlement of the privileged, who remain oblivious to the difficulties of those with fewer means. The woman’s extravagance at his expense serves as a subtle critique of class insensitivity.
4. Manipulation and Power Dynamics
Throughout the luncheon, the woman subtly controls the situation. She invites herself, selects an expensive restaurant, and dictates the meal while pretending to eat lightly. The narrator, trapped by politeness and social expectations, feels powerless to refuse her choices. This dynamic underscores how social conventions often enable manipulation, forcing individuals into uncomfortable situations to maintain appearances.
5. Youthful Naivety and Experience
The narrator’s younger self is eager to please and lacks the assertiveness to decline the invitation. His inexperience leads him to a financial predicament, yet he learns from it. The story suggests that life often teaches lessons through such uncomfortable experiences, shaping a person’s understanding of human nature and social interactions.
6. Revenge and Justice
While the narrator does not seek revenge, fate delivers poetic justice. Decades later, the woman’s excessive eating habits have caught up with her. Though he suffered financial distress that day, he now finds amusement in the natural course of events. The theme suggests that time often corrects imbalances in unexpected ways, making the resolution satisfying and humorous.
Additional Exam Questions on The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham
Very Short Answer Type Questions (30-40 words each)
1. Why did the narrator feel flattered by the woman’s request for lunch?
The narrator, a young and struggling writer, felt flattered that someone admired his work enough to request a meeting. His inexperience and eagerness to be recognised led him to accept the invitation without considering the financial consequences.
2. How did the narrator try to manage his expenses before the luncheon?
He carefully planned to spend no more than fifteen francs, even deciding to forgo coffee for the next two weeks. However, his calculations proved useless as his guest’s extravagant choices exceeded his budget.
3. What does the narrator mean when he says, ‘Few men, I may add, learn this until they are too old to make it of any consequence to a woman what they say’?
He humorously suggests that men often struggle to say ‘no’ to women. By the time they master this skill, they are no longer of interest to women, making their newfound assertiveness irrelevant.
4. What was the narrator’s initial impression of the woman when he met her?
He found her older and more imposing than expected. Her large, even teeth seemed excessive, and although she was talkative, she focused on him, making him willing to listen.
5. Why did the narrator order only a mutton chop for himself?
Aware of his limited funds, he deliberately chose the cheapest item on the menu. However, his guest’s expensive selections rendered his careful budgeting useless.
Short Answer Type Questions (50-60 words each)
6. How does the narrator’s predicament grow worse with each course of the meal?
At first, he hopes the woman will order something affordable, but she begins with caviare. Then, she requests salmon, white wine, asparagus, ice cream, and finally a peach. With each extravagant choice, his anxiety intensifies, as he fears he may not have enough money to pay the bill.
7. How does the woman justify her choices despite claiming she eats very little?
She repeatedly insists she ‘never eats more than one thing for luncheon’ but keeps adding expensive dishes. She claims that she eats ‘just a bite’ for conversation and that each new dish is something she ‘never minds having.’ This contradiction highlights her hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness.
8. What escape plan does the narrator consider if he cannot pay the bill?
If he fell short, he planned to dramatically exclaim that his pocket had been picked. Alternatively, he considered leaving his watch behind as collateral, promising to return later with the money. His desperate thoughts add to the humour of the situation.
9. Why does the narrator leave the restaurant with ‘not a penny in his pocket’?
His guest’s expensive choices force him to spend all his money on the meal, leaving nothing for the rest of the month. Additionally, he can only leave a meagre tip, making him feel embarrassed in front of the waiter.
10. How does the narrator’s financial condition contrast with the woman’s attitude towards spending?
The narrator struggles to make ends meet, carefully budgeting his expenses. In contrast, the woman is completely indifferent to cost, ordering without restraint. She never acknowledges his financial hardship, highlighting her privilege and lack of consideration.
Long Answer Type Questions (160-180 words each)
11. How does the story portray the theme of social conventions and politeness?
The narrator, though financially strained, feels obligated to host the woman at an expensive restaurant due to social etiquette. Despite his growing distress, he maintains politeness, unable to refuse her extravagant choices. This highlights how societal expectations often trap individuals into uncomfortable situations. He cannot confront her or express his financial concerns, as it would be seen as impolite. Instead, he suffers silently, masking his anxiety with forced hospitality. The woman, oblivious to his predicament, enjoys the meal, further emphasising how social hierarchy and privilege can create an imbalance in interactions. The story subtly criticises these conventions, showing how politeness often comes at a personal cost.
12. How does The Luncheon depict the contrast between appearance and reality?
Throughout the story, the woman presents herself as refined and self-restrained, yet her behaviour reveals the opposite. She claims to eat lightly but orders excessively. She pretends to be considerate but disregards the narrator’s financial limitations. Her words and actions sharply contrast, creating irony and humour. The narrator, too, maintains an appearance of cordiality, though he is mentally preoccupied with his dwindling funds. This contrast between outward behaviour and internal reality adds depth to the narrative, making it both amusing and thought-provoking.
13. What role does the setting play in intensifying the narrator’s dilemma?
Foyot’s, a restaurant frequented by French senators, sets the stage for the narrator’s financial predicament. Had the luncheon been at a modest café, the expenses would not have been overwhelming. However, the grandeur of Foyot’s makes the situation worse, as he must maintain an air of dignity despite his distress. The luxurious setting amplifies his helplessness—every dish ordered adds to his anxiety. The waiter’s polite yet firm presence further reinforces the pressure. The environment contrasts with the narrator’s reality, highlighting his financial vulnerability.
14. Discuss how the woman’s character is developed through her dialogue and actions.
The woman’s personality is revealed not through direct description but through her own words and behaviour. She speaks in a confident, superior tone, constantly advising the narrator about diet and lifestyle. Her statements contradict her actions—she claims to eat little but indulges in costly dishes. She talks about moderation but has no restraint. She dismisses the narrator’s simple meal as unhealthy while consuming rich food herself. Her obliviousness is key to the humour in the story. By the end, her self-importance makes the narrator’s final ‘revenge’ all the more satisfying.
Extract-Based Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) on The Luncheon
Extract 1
“I caught sight of her at the play and, in answer to her beckoning, I went over during the interval and sat down beside her. It was long since I had last seen her and if someone had not mentioned her name I hardly think I would have recognised her. She addressed me brightly.”
- What does the phrase ‘in answer to her beckoning’ suggest?
a) The narrator was eager to meet her.
b) She gestured for the narrator to approach. ✅
c) She called out his name loudly.
d) The narrator was avoiding her. - Why does the narrator mention that he would not have recognised her?
a) She had changed significantly over the years. ✅
b) He had forgotten her completely.
c) He had never met her before.
d) He was pretending not to know her. - What tone does the woman’s greeting convey?
a) Excitement and warmth ✅
b) Guilt and nervousness
c) Anger and resentment
d) Indifference and boredom
Extract 2
“I had eighty francs (gold francs) to last me the rest of the month, and a modest luncheon should not cost more than fifteen. If I cut out coffee for the next two weeks I could manage well enough.”
- What does this statement reveal about the narrator’s financial condition?
a) He was living comfortably.
b) He was struggling to make ends meet. ✅
c) He was wealthy but frugal.
d) He had no money at all. - What does ‘cut out coffee’ imply?
a) The narrator disliked coffee.
b) He planned to save money by skipping coffee. ✅
c) Coffee was unhealthy for him.
d) He preferred tea over coffee. - Why does the narrator refer to the luncheon as ‘modest’?
a) He expected it to be simple and affordable. ✅
b) He wanted to impress his guest.
c) He planned to order extravagant dishes.
d) He was unaware of restaurant prices.
Extract 3
“I never eat anything for luncheon,” she said. “Oh, don’t say that!” I answered generously. “I never eat more than one thing. I think people eat far too much nowadays. A little fish, perhaps. I wonder if they have any salmon.”
- What is ironic about the woman’s statement?
a) She claims to eat little but orders expensive dishes. ✅
b) She is on a strict diet.
c) She is concerned about the narrator’s health.
d) She does not order anything at all. - What does the narrator’s response, ‘Oh, don’t say that!’ indicate?
a) He is genuinely concerned about her diet.
b) He fears she might order something expensive. ✅
c) He does not want to eat alone.
d) He is encouraging her to eat more. - How does the woman justify her request for salmon?
a) She insists she only eats one thing. ✅
b) She claims it is healthy.
c) She wants to test the restaurant’s quality.
d) She does not like any other dish.
Extract 4
“The asparagus appeared. They were enormous, succulent, and appetizing. The smell of the melted butter tickled my nostrils as the nostrils of Jehovah were tickled by the burned offerings of the virtuous Semites.”
- What does the description of the asparagus suggest?
a) The narrator finds them irresistible. ✅
b) The narrator is disgusted by them.
c) The asparagus are overcooked.
d) The asparagus are unappealing. - What literary device is used in ‘as the nostrils of Jehovah were tickled’?
a) Metaphor
b) Simile ✅
c) Alliteration
d) Personification - What emotion does the narrator likely feel upon seeing the asparagus?
a) Delight
b) Anxiety ✅
c) Excitement
d) Indifference
Extract 5
“The bill came and when I paid it I found that I had only enough for a quite inadequate tip. Her eyes rested for an instant on the three francs I left for the waiter and I knew that she thought me mean.”
- What does ‘quite inadequate tip’ imply?
a) The narrator was being stingy on purpose.
b) The narrator had no money left to tip generously. ✅
c) The waiter had already received a large tip.
d) The narrator disliked the restaurant’s service. - What does the woman’s reaction to the tip reveal about her character?
a) She is indifferent to financial matters.
b) She is judgmental and inconsiderate. ✅
c) She sympathises with the narrator.
d) She appreciates his generosity. - How does this moment contribute to the story’s humour?
a) The woman finally realises the narrator’s financial struggle.
b) The narrator’s suffering reaches its peak in an ironic twist. ✅
c) The waiter refuses to accept the small tip.
d) The narrator scolds the woman for being extravagant.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) on The Luncheon
Detail-Based Questions
- According to the passage, where did the narrator and the woman meet for lunch?
a) A café in Montmartre
b) The narrator’s apartment
c) Foyot’s restaurant ✅
d) A street-side bistro - What did the narrator initially expect the cost of the luncheon to be?
a) 50 francs
b) 15 francs ✅
c) 100 francs
d) 30 francs - What did the woman order first at the restaurant?
a) Asparagus
b) Caviare ✅
c) Salmon
d) Ice cream
Inference Questions
- It can be inferred that the woman…
a) Was genuinely unaware of the narrator’s financial condition
b) Pretended to be modest but was manipulative ✅
c) Wanted to repay the narrator for the meal
d) Regretted ordering expensive dishes - What is implied when the narrator says, “I fancy I turned a trifle pale”?
a) He was feeling unwell
b) He was trying to impress the woman
c) He was nervous about the increasing bill ✅
d) He was angry at the waiter
Main Idea or Purpose Questions
- What is the main idea of The Luncheon?
a) The struggle of a young writer in Paris
b) A humorous depiction of social pretensions and irony ✅
c) The importance of good manners at a restaurant
d) A reflection on past relationships - What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
a) To explain the dining habits of the wealthy
b) To highlight financial struggles in Paris
c) To humorously expose hypocrisy and self-indulgence ✅
d) To provide restaurant etiquette tips
Vocabulary in Context Questions
- What does the word ‘mortifying’ most likely mean in the sentence, “It would be mortifying to find myself ten francs short”?
a) Humiliating ✅
b) Exciting
c) Confusing
d) Comforting - In the context of the story, what does ‘vindictive’ mean when the narrator mentions he is not a vindictive man?
a) Revengeful ✅
b) Honest
c) Generous
d) Thoughtful
Author’s Tone or Attitude Questions
- How does the author feel about the woman’s behaviour?
a) Admiring
b) Resentful
c) Amused ✅
d) Indifferent - What is the narrator’s attitude towards his past self?
a) Proud of his generosity
b) Regretful for being manipulated ✅
c) Ashamed of his financial struggles
d) Resentful towards the woman
Sequence of Events Questions
- What happened first in the story?
a) The woman ordered caviare ✅
b) The narrator ran out of money
c) The woman invited herself to lunch
d) The narrator met the woman at a theatre - What is the last event in the story?
a) The narrator paid the bill
b) The woman invited the narrator for another meal
c) The narrator reflected on his ‘revenge’ ✅
d) The waiter scolded the narrator for leaving a small tip
Cause and Effect Questions
- What caused the narrator’s anxiety during the luncheon?
a) The woman’s beauty
b) The luxurious setting
c) The increasing cost of the meal ✅
d) His dislike for fine dining - What was the effect of the woman’s repeated claims that she ate lightly?
a) The narrator believed she would order less food
b) The narrator felt relaxed about paying the bill
c) She ended up ordering multiple expensive dishes ✅
d) The narrator refused to order anything for himself
Comparison Questions
- How does the woman’s perception of food differ from the narrator’s?
a) She sees food as a necessity, while he sees it as a luxury
b) She claims to eat lightly but indulges, while he is truly restrained ✅
c) She enjoys simple meals, while he prefers expensive food
d) She dislikes eating in restaurants, while he enjoys it - How does the narrator’s attitude at the beginning of the luncheon compare to his attitude at the end?
a) He starts excited but ends feeling foolish ✅
b) He starts anxious but ends feeling relieved
c) He starts angry but ends feeling regretful
d) He starts indifferent but ends feeling triumphant
द लंचियन – विस्तृत सारांश (The Luncheon – Detailed Summary in Hindi)
परिचय (Introduction)
द लंचियन विलियम समरसेट मॉम द्वारा लिखी गई एक व्यंग्यात्मक कहानी है जो समाज में दिखावे और वास्तविकता के बीच के अंतर को उजागर करती है। यह कहानी लेखक के एक पुराने अनुभव पर आधारित है जब उन्होंने एक महिला को लंच पर आमंत्रित किया था, और यह आमंत्रण उनके लिए एक बड़ी वित्तीय मुसीबत बन गया।
महिला का निमंत्रण (The Woman’s Invitation)
कहानी की शुरुआत में, लेखक एक थिएटर में महिला को देखते हैं और पुरानी यादें ताज़ा हो जाती हैं। बीस साल पहले, जब लेखक एक संघर्षरत युवा थे और पेरिस में रहते थे, उन्हें इस महिला का एक पत्र मिला। उसने लेखक की एक किताब पढ़ी थी और उसकी प्रशंसा करते हुए मिलने की इच्छा जताई। चूंकि वह पेरिस में कुछ समय के लिए थी, उसने लेखक से लंच पर मिलने का अनुरोध किया।
महंगा रेस्तरां और लेखक की चिंता (Expensive Restaurant and Writer’s Anxiety)
महिला ने लंच के लिए Foyot’s रेस्तरां चुना, जहाँ अमीर और प्रभावशाली लोग खाते थे। लेखक के पास उस महीने के लिए केवल अस्सी फ़्रैंक थे, और उन्होंने सोचा कि लंच का खर्च पंद्रह फ़्रैंक तक रहेगा। हालांकि, वह महिला को मना नहीं कर सके और निमंत्रण स्वीकार कर लिया।
महिला की झूठी सादगी (The Woman’s Fake Modesty)
जब वे रेस्तरां पहुँचे, महिला ने कहा कि वह बहुत कम खाती है और केवल “एक चीज़” ही लेगी। लेकिन इसके बावजूद, उसने सबसे महंगे व्यंजन चुने—पहले कैवियार, फिर सैल्मन, सफेद शराब (जिसे बाद में उसने शैंपेन में बदल दिया), फिर विशाल ऐस्पैरागस, और अंत में आइसक्रीम और कॉफी। हर बार वह कहती कि उसे भूख नहीं है, लेकिन फिर भी वह एक और महंगी चीज़ ऑर्डर कर लेती।
लेखक की बढ़ती घबराहट (Writer’s Growing Nervousness)
लेखक के लिए हर नया ऑर्डर किसी बुरे सपने जैसा था। उनका डर बढ़ता गया कि कहीं उनके पास बिल चुकाने के लिए पैसे कम न पड़ जाएँ। उन्होंने कई बार सोचा कि अगर पैसे कम पड़ गए तो वे बहाना बना देंगे कि उनकी जेब कट गई है या वे अपनी घड़ी गिरवी रख देंगे।
बिल का झटका (The Shock of the Bill)
आखिरकार, जब बिल आया, लेखक ने पाया कि उनके पास सिर्फ उतने ही पैसे बचे हैं कि वे बिल चुका सकें, लेकिन वेटर के लिए एक बहुत ही छोटा टिप छोड़ना पड़ा। महिला ने लेखक की तरफ देखा और उसे कंजूस समझा, लेकिन उसे इस बात का कोई एहसास नहीं था कि लेखक के पास अब महीने भर के लिए एक भी पैसा नहीं बचा था।
लेखक की ‘बदला लेने’ की भावना (Writer’s ‘Revenge’ Feeling)
बीस साल बाद, लेखक ने महिला को दोबारा देखा। अब वह पहले से बहुत मोटी हो चुकी थी—उसका वज़न इक्कीस स्टोन (लगभग 133 किलो) था। लेखक खुद को बदला लेने वाला व्यक्ति नहीं मानते, लेकिन यह देखकर उन्हें संतोष मिला कि समय ने उसके अत्यधिक खाने की आदत का हिसाब बराबर कर दिया था।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
यह कहानी व्यंग्य और हास्य से भरपूर है। इसमें समाज में मौजूद झूठी सादगी, दिखावे और दूसरों पर निर्भरता को उजागर किया गया है। लेखक की स्थिति हास्यास्पद और दयनीय दोनों थी, लेकिन अंत में समय ने खुद ही संतुलन बना दिया।
دی لنچن – تفصیلی خلاصہ (The Luncheon – Detailed Summary in Urdu)
تعارف (Introduction)
دی لنچن ولیم سومرسیٹ ماہم کی ایک طنزیہ کہانی ہے جو معاشرتی دکھاوے اور حقیقت کے درمیان فرق کو اجاگر کرتی ہے۔ یہ کہانی مصنف کے ذاتی تجربے پر مبنی ہے جب انہوں نے ایک خاتون کو دوپہر کے کھانے پر مدعو کیا اور یہ دعوت ان کے لیے ایک مالی پریشانی کا سبب بن گئی۔
خاتون کی دعوت (The Woman’s Invitation)
کہانی کا آغاز اس وقت ہوتا ہے جب مصنف ایک تھیٹر میں ایک خاتون کو دیکھتے ہیں اور پرانی یادیں تازہ ہو جاتی ہیں۔ بیس سال قبل، جب وہ ایک نوجوان اور ناتجربہ کار مصنف تھے، انہیں ایک خاتون کا خط موصول ہوا۔ اس نے مصنف کی ایک کتاب پڑھی تھی اور اس کی تعریف کرتے ہوئے ملاقات کی خواہش ظاہر کی۔ چونکہ وہ پیرس میں مختصر وقت کے لیے موجود تھی، اس نے مصنف سے درخواست کی کہ وہ اسے دوپہر کے کھانے پر ملے۔
مہنگا ریستوران اور مصنف کی پریشانی (Expensive Restaurant and Writer’s Anxiety)
خاتون نے کھانے کے لیے Foyot’s ریستوران منتخب کیا، جہاں فرانسیسی سینیٹرز کھانے آیا کرتے تھے۔ مصنف کے پاس صرف اسی فرانک تھے جو پورے مہینے کے اخراجات کے لیے کافی ہونے چاہیے تھے، اور انہوں نے اندازہ لگایا کہ ایک معمولی کھانے پر پندرہ فرانک خرچ ہوں گے۔ لیکن وہ خاتون کو انکار نہ کر سکے اور دعوت قبول کر لی۔
خاتون کی جھوٹی سادگی (The Woman’s Fake Modesty)
جب وہ ریستوران پہنچے تو خاتون نے دعویٰ کیا کہ وہ بہت کم کھاتی ہے اور صرف “ایک چیز” لے گی۔ لیکن اس کے باوجود، اس نے سب سے مہنگے کھانے آرڈر کیے—سب سے پہلے کیویار، پھر سالمون، سفید شراب (جسے بعد میں اس نے شیمپین میں بدلوا دیا)، پھر بڑی اسپیرگس، اور آخر میں آئس کریم اور کافی۔ ہر بار وہ کہتی کہ اسے زیادہ کھانے کی عادت نہیں، لیکن پھر بھی ایک اور مہنگی ڈش منگوا لیتی۔
مصنف کی بڑھتی ہوئی گھبراہٹ (Writer’s Growing Nervousness)
مصنف کے لیے ہر نیا آرڈر ایک ڈراؤنے خواب کی طرح تھا۔ وہ شدید پریشانی میں مبتلا تھے کہ کہیں بل ان کی استطاعت سے باہر نہ ہو جائے۔ انہوں نے کئی بار سوچا کہ اگر پیسے کم پڑ گئے تو وہ یہ بہانہ کریں گے کہ ان کی جیب کٹ گئی ہے یا وہ اپنی گھڑی گروی رکھ دیں گے۔
بل کا جھٹکا (The Shock of the Bill)
جب آخر میں بل آیا، تو مصنف نے پایا کہ ان کے پاس صرف اتنے ہی پیسے بچے ہیں کہ وہ کھانے کا بل ادا کر سکیں، لیکن ویٹر کو ٹپ دینے کے لیے مناسب رقم نہ بچی۔ خاتون نے لمحہ بھر کے لیے ان کے چھوٹے ٹپ پر نظر ڈالی اور انہیں کنجوس سمجھا، لیکن اسے اس بات کا کوئی اندازہ نہیں تھا کہ مصنف کے پاس اب پورے مہینے کے لیے ایک بھی پیسہ نہیں بچا تھا۔
مصنف کا ‘انتقام’ (Writer’s ‘Revenge’)
بیس سال بعد، مصنف نے اس خاتون کو دوبارہ دیکھا۔ اب وہ بہت زیادہ موٹی ہو چکی تھی—اس کا وزن اکیس اسٹون (تقریباً 133 کلوگرام) تھا۔ مصنف خود کو انتقامی شخص نہیں سمجھتے، لیکن یہ دیکھ کر انہیں سکون محسوس ہوا کہ وقت نے اس کے بے تحاشہ کھانے کی عادت کا حساب برابر کر دیا تھا۔
نتیجہ (Conclusion)
یہ کہانی طنز اور مزاح سے بھرپور ہے۔ اس میں معاشرے میں موجود جھوٹی سادگی، دکھاوے اور دوسروں پر انحصار کرنے والے رویے کو نمایاں کیا گیا ہے۔ مصنف کی حالت مزاحیہ اور افسوسناک دونوں تھی، لیکن آخر میں وقت نے خود انصاف کر دیا۔
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