Genuine Emotions vs. Societal Norms
This novel was Maugham's favorite, not only because of the person who inspired the character of Rosie but also because it allowed him to convey his belief that true emotions and kindness hold more value than strict etiquette and conforming to societal standards. Maugham expressed, "I prefer a loose woman to a selfish one and a wanton to a fool." Rosie is undoubtedly both loose and wanton, yet she is also generous and clever. Her sexual freedom is a primary reason she receives criticism from "society" people. As the second Mrs. Driffield comments on her, "I don't wish to seem spiteful, but I'm afraid I don't think that she can have been a very nice person." This prompts a straightforward thematic response from the narrator:
That's where you make a mistake . . . She was a very nice woman. I never saw her in a bad temper. You only had to say you wanted something for her to give it to you. I never heard her say a disagreeable thing about anyone. She had a heart of gold.
It's important to note that some of Ashenden's fondness for Rosie stems from his own romantic involvement with her. The scene where their romance begins illustrates Rosie's gentle nature. As the young, sensitive narrator begins to cry while Rosie caresses his face, she responds in her usual way: '"Oh, honey, what is it? What's the matter? Don't. Don't!' She wrapped her arms around my neck and started to cry as well, kissing my lips, eyes, and wet cheeks. She loosened her bodice and lowered my head until it rested on her bosom." This relationship plays a significant role in Willie's growth and his understanding of true affection and emotion.
Hedonism and Acceptance
Willie experiences profound disappointment when he learns that Rosie has been involved with another man during their relationship. This revelation affects him deeply. Rosie's reaction to his complaints about her behavior, such as accepting a fur cape from this man and engaging in other affairs, reveals her outlook on life. She responds with a smile, gently saying, "Oh, my dear, why d'you bother your head about any others? What harm does it do you? Don't I give you a good time! Aren't you happy when you're with me?" The emphasis is on the words "give" and "happy." Rosie takes pleasure in making others happy, and she believes that offering sexual favors is an effective way to do so. Her hedonistic attitude is clear when she later remarks, "Let's have a good time while we can." Once Willie's anger dissipates, Rosie concludes the conversation by softly saying, "You must take me as I am, you know."
Ashenden views this approach as the most pragmatic path forward. Rosie's departure and subsequent actions, including her journey to America with "Lord" George Kemp from Blackstable, mirror her previous escape with Edward Driffield, leaving behind unpaid debts. However, this time, Kemp not only has financial obligations but also an arrest warrant against him. Although Driffield seems heartbroken by her departure, he eventually marries his nurse and appears to recover well from the "betrayal."
As the story approaches its end, the narrator attempts to explain why Driffield accepted Rosie's infidelities. In doing so, he reiterates certain themes and refines his understanding of Rosie's defining traits:
You see, she wasn't a woman who ever inspired love. Only affection. It was absurd to be jealous over her. She was like a clear, deep pool in a forest glade, into which it's heavenly to plunge, but it is neither less cool nor less crystalline because a tramp and a gypsy and a...
(This entire section contains 342 words.)
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gamekeeper have plunged into it before you.
While Alroy Kear accuses Ashenden of being "lyrical," Willie uses this extended metaphor to offer his final evaluation of Rosie's essential qualities.
Critique of the Literary World
An additional theme, which might divert the attention of some readers, revolves around the writing profession and the challenges of establishing and maintaining a literary reputation. Maugham held strong opinions about writers and the craft of writing. His evaluations, spanning from Keats to Carlyle, reflect his shifting literary tastes. He thought Driffield's works were somewhat uninteresting and observed that some authors gain esteemed status merely by living long enough for critics and the public to venerate them as icons.
This trend has influenced Driffield, and Ashenden criticizes it, attributing much of it to biographers like Alroy Kear and admirers such as Mrs. Barton Trafford. The narrator points out Mrs. Barton Trafford's moral shortcomings with this remark about her reaction to Driffield's second marriage without her consultation: "I think it may be not unjustly said that Mrs. Barton Trafford fairly ran over with the milk of human kindness, but all the same I have an inkling that if ever the milk of human kindness was charged with vitriol, here was a case in point." Hence, Ashenden condemns the hypocrisy and deceit ingrained in the literary "system."
A notable example of this literary flaw is seen in the introduction of Allgood Newton: "in those days he was the best-known critic in England." This highly influential character exemplifies the kind of negative perspective the narrator holds about such power in the hands of such hypocrisy: "He was very amiable to the authors he met at Driffield's, and said charming and flattering things to them, but when they were gone he was very amusing at their expense."
The entire literary world disgusts Ashenden, as it is not filled with people who would agree with Rosie's reasoning for leaving with George Kemp (the final words in the text): "He was always such a perfect gentleman."
