Author: William Somerset Maugham
Genre: Drama-tragedy
“Every reform, however necessary will by weak minds be carried to an excess, that itself will need reforming.”
-Samuel Taylor Coleridge
When you hear of the word rain what do you get reminded of ? Well, for me the word rain itself not only associates with the beauty and the fertility but also a slew of diseases and dirt along with a dash of destruction. However, I personally feel the dash of destruction that the rain brings with it is a firm reminder to us by Nature that if we try to mess with the cycles of Nature, Nature will unleash its fury and keep us grounded. But are we wise enough to listen to the advice offered by Nature is a thought that always keeps on popping in my head every rainy season?Maybe we should be but we are not even though we are made of it . So, if its raining in your area, please do keep yourselves safe and do take proper measures to ensure that you do not feel under the weather.
The reason why I am talking about the rains because that is what is the weather is in my area and while I do feel locked up , it does give me an opportunity to express about the same. And while you do see the season being celebrated in the movies and in the lyrics of many songs, it is altogether a different feeling when you do end up reading a book describing the season. So, do tell me your favorite book which celebrates the rainy season? I would love to hear about the same in the comments section.
Since, the rains will not stop for another two months, lets not cry over it and instead try to enjoy the weather by delving into a pick which has the same backdrop as the weather outside. Perhaps who knows, this might end up on your reading list next. Do read on …
About the book: Rain is a short story written by William Somerset Maugham. It revolves around a certain Mr. and Mrs; Davidson who are introduced by a Dr. Macphil. They are on a ship to Apia which has taken a halt at Pago Pago, Davidson is a missionary who is on a duty to salvage the uncivilised and teach them to be proper Christians. They are forced to take refuge on the island due to a serious outbreak of measles. Due to this, they end up staying with a trader on the island who runs a lodge.
The heavy rains play a spoilsport due to which both the Macphils and Davidsons have to end up staying indoors. The Davidsons talk about the severity of the work undertaken by them. Also, staying with them on the same lodge is a woman named Miss Thompson.One day, the sound of gramophones and men is heard from her room. This distresses Mr. Davidson and he decides to stop her activities. Will Mr. Davidson be able to fulfil his mission of transforming Miss Thompson or will something stop him from doing so?
Analysis: This is a story that is pretty controversial and tries to explore the ugly side of Christianity.It makes a mockery of how Christian missionaries make it a mission to travel overseas and try to impose their teachings. But while undertaking the same, they fail to recognize the fact that they are destroying the tradition and belief of other people.The indigenous people instead of being reformed are forced into poverty and misery due to the sins that were committed in the name of God. It also highlights the racial superiority that the White people felt who never considered themselves to be wrong. It also highlights the fixed mindset of a missionary who feels that the only way people can be reformed through is by punishment or confession. It also highlights the fact that the world cannot be viewed in terms of complete white and black but it also has shades of gray. What might be a sin in the eyes of a person might just be a way of living of another.
Another contentious point it tries to highlight is the lack of intimate nature the Davidsons had in their lives. Humans are creatures with desires which are as normal as breathing and eating. While religion can play a role to suppress the desires up to an extent because it is ultimately in the hands of a human being of how to deal with his or her desires.
Verdict: A story that tries to highlight various issues like a battle between tradition and belief, a battle between desires and morales, a battle between what is right and what is wrong and ultimately a battle between tyranny and freedom is how this short story can be summed up. It also highlights how the so called keepers of the religion end up exploiting the people in the name of reforming. Do read it if you want to explore the complex web of human emotions and how religion is not that upright as it seems. Also, do read if you are a lover of short stories and are running short of time.
Cite Bite: “We had to make sins out of what they thought were natural actions.” (Mr. Davidson to Mr. Macphil)
Que: From which place does Miss Thompson board the ship from?
a. Apia
b. Samoa
c. West Indies
d. Iwelei
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