Mr. Know-All

Subject: English I

Overview

The story's narrator was traveling from San Francisco to Yakohama. He had to share a stateroom on the ship with a chatty, argumentative stranger by the name of Max Kelada. He spoke to everyone on a variety of subjects as if he were an expert. He earned the moniker Mr. Know-All as a result. Almost everyone on board despised him. Another man, Mr. Ramsay, was traveling to Kobe from New York with his lovely wife. One evening, Mr. Know-All and Mr. Ramsay got into a fight. They clashed about pearls. Mr. Kelada asserted to have extensive knowledge of pearls. He displayed a pearl necklace that Mrs. Ramsay was wearing and claimed that it was real and would cost $30,000; however, Mr. Ramsay was certain that the pearl necklace was fake and that his wife had only paid $18 for it. Mr. Ramsay and Mr. Kelada placed a $100 wager on it. With the aid of his magnifying glass, Mr. Kelada examined the pearls and confirmed their authenticity. When he turned to face Mrs. Ramsay, he noticed that she had a pale complexion and appeared to be about to pass out. Mr. Kelada lied and claimed that the pearls were fake. He gave Mr. Ramsay a $100 bill, and the following morning he received his money back from Mrs. Ramsay.

Mr. Know-All : William Maugham, England (1874-1965)

Summary

Somerset Maugham wrote a short story titled "MR. Know-All." This tale stands for both humanity and affection on the one hand, and alleged racial prejudice and discrimination on the other. As a result, the tension between reality and appearance is depicted in the story. Additionally, it illustrates how even the most loathed individuals can have a humble spirit.

The story's narrator is traveling from San Francisco, California, to Yokohama, Japan. He boards the ship and encounters Mr. Max Kelada, a complete stranger. The narrator has always had a negative opinion of Kelada. He clearly displays his English nationality. Despite the fact that Mr. Kelada is black and despised by him and others, he is close to him. He is amusing and chatty. Even though Mr. Kelada is the ideal target for everyone's hatred, he is constantly present and is always aware of everything. As a result, he is known as "Mr. Know-All."

Strong-willed and argumentative, "Mr. Know-All" is. His home region is the Midwest. One evening, Mrs. Ramsay and Mr. Know-All get into a heated argument. In Kobe, Japan, Mrs. Ramsay is the American consular representative. According to Mr. Kelada, Mrs. Ramsay's pearls are highly pricey and cost close to $30,000 each. At the same time, Mr. Ramsay tells him that Mrs. Ramsay told him that Mrs. Ramsay only paid $ 18 for the pearls. They both placed a $100 wager on his necklace while they talked.

When Mr. Kelada uses his magnifying glass to examine the pearls, he can see that they are real, which gives him a happy smile. He gets ready to share what makes him happy-smile. Mrs. Ramsay is waiting for him to tell her the truth, but her eyes prevent him from doing so. He is terrified as he observes Mrs. Ramsay's pale face. Similarly, Mr. Ramsay claims that such pearls represent merely the limitations of the original ones and not the originals themselves. As a result, Mr. Kelada loses the wager and pays Mr. Ramsay the money. It's because he wants to witness Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay's happy marriage.

The following morning, an envelope containing $100 is hidden inside and delivered to Mr. Kelada's address. After reading the letter, Mr. Kelada is pleased. Mr. Know-All concludes by advising the reader not to let his attractive wife spend a year in New York City while he stays in Kobe, Japan, assuming he has one. The narrator understands how open, chatty, and lovely "Mr. Know-All" is to observe the marital life of Mrs. Ramsay and Mr. Ramsay after hearing such a great comment.

Application of Four Levels

  • Literal Comprehension
    • The narrator encounters Mr. Kelada while traveling via ship from America to Japan. He despises Mr. Kelada, a black guy, as do all the other passengers. Mr. Kelada, in comparison, is endearing, chatty, and knowledgeable about everyone. Mr. Know-All was his next alias. One evening, Mrs. Ramsay and Mr. Kelada get into a heated argument over pearls. Mr. Kelada claims that the pearls she owned cost about $ 30,000 because they are authentic, which makes them highly costly. However, Mr. Ramsay claims that because Mrs. Ramsay purchased the replica pearls in America, the price of the pearls is only about $ 18. Mr. Kelada doesn't think they are true. They each place a $100 wager. With the use of his magnifying glass, Mr. Kelada examines the pearls and determines that they are the originals. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay have varying levels of fear when he wants to discuss this topic with them. Mr. Kelada had an epiphany and decides not to ruin Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay's blissful marriage. He then chooses to give Mr. Ramsay $100. He pays him $100 after losing the match and then gives it back. The following morning, he receives a letter from Mr. Ramsay with $100. Finally, they are aware of Mr. Know-admirable All's and constructive thinking.
  • Interpretation
    • This narrative can be seen from many different angles. It shows how whites discriminate against black people on the basis of race. For instance, because Mr. Kelada is black, all of the passengers despise him (whites). This story also addresses humanity. For instance, Mr. Kelada loves them despite being despised and treated unfairly by others because he is so forthright, helpful, and outspoken. They come to understand the value of love in the end as well. Additionally, this tale demonstrates the distinction between appearance and reality. It also pertains to the journey. For instance, Mr. Know-All conducts study on Mrs. Ramsay's pearls and ultimately discovers the original ones through his observation. However, the narrative also highlights the contradictory essence of women. Despite having a good-looking and morally upright exterior, Mrs. Ramsay engages in unethical romantic relationships with other men when her husband is not there.
  • Critical Thinking
    • Although superficially funny, this tale has a serious undertone and a strong message. On the one hand, it exemplifies the hated man's affection for his enemies and emphasizes the value of love, cooperation, and a positive outlook. On the other side, the story also contains bigotry and racial prejudice. Contradictory notions are present in the story, nevertheless. For instance, how could Mr. Kelada show his love and sincerity to the white people who despise him so much? How could Mr. Kelada give the writer a delicious cocktail if alcohol was illegal at the time? Did Mr. Kelada have complete knowledge? Why was Mr. Kelada so despised since he performed so many acts of entertainment for the passengers?
  • Assimilation
    • I've learned the value of humanity, love, and relationships after reading this narrative. First and foremost, let me express my sympathies to Mr. Know-All, who is actually the finest human being ever. I've learned to be such a helpful person in society, even learning to love others who think and act differently than I do. This tale has taught me to avoid conflict with others and instead find success in love, peace, and humanity.

Referance

(Bastakoti, (2007). A Combined Guide To Compulsory English. Kathmandu: Kalyani Prakshan)
Things to remember
  • Somerset Maugham wrote a short story titled "MR. Know-All."
  • This tale stands for both humanity and affection on the one hand, and alleged racial prejudice and discrimination on the other.
  • It shows how whites discriminate against black people on the basis of race.
  • Additionally, this tale demonstrates the distinction between appearance and reality.
  • The dual character of women is also illustrated in the story. Despite having a good-looking and morally upright exterior, Mrs. Ramsay engages in unethical romantic relationships with other men when her husband is not there.

© 2021 Saralmind. All Rights Reserved.