Class 8 English Literature – The Luncheon by William Somerset Maugham | Mulberry Standard Version | Questions & Answers
The Luncheon
by William Somerset Maugham
(Mulberry) (Standard Version)
Here are the names of some food items. Draw lines to match them to their pictures.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Quick Answers
1. Complete the following sentences.
a. The narrator went over to meet the lady because ____________________.
Answer:
The narrator went over to meet the lady because she beckoned him to come over during the interval of the play.
b. Even though Foyot's was well beyond his means, the narrator went ahead with the lady's plan because ____________________.
Answer:
Even though Foyot's was well beyond his means, the narrator went ahead with the lady's plan because he felt flattered that she wanted to have lunch with him. Being young and inexperienced, he found it difficult to refuse her invitation and hoped that a modest meal would not cost too much.
c. The narrator's heart sank a little because ____________________.
Answer:
The narrator's heart sank a little because the lady wanted to eat caviar, which was an expensive delicacy. He knew that he could not afford such a costly dish, but he was too embarrassed to admit that he did not have enough money.
d. He was past caring because ____________________.
Answer:
He was past caring because the lady had already ordered several expensive dishes, including caviar, salmon, champagne, asparagus, coffee, ice cream and peaches. He had become so worried about the huge bill that he no longer cared what else she ordered.
e. The narrator thinks that his guest thought him mean because ____________________.
Answer:
The narrator thinks that his guest thought him mean because he was able to leave only a very small tip of three francs for the waiter. She probably assumed that he was stingy, whereas the truth was that he had spent all the money he had.
Reference to Context
2. "Well, it's many years since we first met. How time does fly! We're none of us getting any younger. Do you remember the first time I saw you? You asked me to luncheon."
a. Who is speaking and to whom?
Answer:
The lady is speaking to the narrator. They meet again after many years during the interval of a play. She reminds him of the luncheon he had given her in Paris when he was a struggling young writer.
b. What does the expression 'How time does fly!' mean?
Answer:
The expression means that time passes very quickly. The lady uses these words to express her surprise that many years have passed since they first met and that both of them have grown older.
c. How long ago had they first met?
Answer:
They had first met about twenty years earlier when the narrator was living in Paris and earning very little money as a young writer.
3. "I tried with all my might to will him to say no. A happy smile spread over his broad, priest-like face, and he assured me that they had some so large, so splendid, so tender, that it was a marvel."
a. What is the item described here? Who is describing it?
Answer:
The item described is giant asparagus. The waiter is describing it. He praises the asparagus by saying that it is very large, tender and wonderful.
b. Why did the narrator will him to say no?
Answer:
The narrator wanted the waiter to say that there was no asparagus available because he knew it was very expensive. He had very little money left and feared that he would not be able to pay the restaurant bill if the lady ordered asparagus.
c. Why does the narrator refuse to have any of this splendid food?
Answer:
The narrator refuses to eat the asparagus because he cannot afford it. Although he would have loved to taste it, he knows that ordering another expensive dish would make it impossible for him to pay the bill.
4. "'Humorist!' she cried gaily, jumping into a cab. 'You're quite a humorist!'"
a. Who said this to whom?
Answer:
The lady said these words to the narrator after they had finished their luncheon and were leaving the restaurant.
b. Why does the speaker say this?
Answer:
She says this because the narrator jokingly tells her, "I'll eat nothing for dinner tonight." She thinks he is making a clever joke and laughs at his remark. However, the narrator is actually telling the truth because he has spent all his money on the expensive lunch.
c. What does this line tell you about the profession of the person being spoken to?
Answer:
The line tells us that the narrator is a writer and a man of wit. Since he is an author, the lady assumes that his humorous remark is simply part of his clever sense of humour rather than a statement of his real financial condition.
Read, Reflect and Write
5. How much should a modest luncheon have cost according to the narrator? Did he have enough money for one when he invited the lady for a luncheon?
Answer:
According to the narrator, a modest luncheon should have cost about fifteen francs. He had eighty francs, which he hoped would be enough if they ordered a simple meal. Unfortunately, the lady kept ordering one expensive item after another, including caviar, salmon, champagne, asparagus, coffee, ice cream and peaches. As a result, the luncheon cost far more than he had expected, leaving him almost penniless.
6. What was the narrator's impression of the lady when he met her for the luncheon?
Answer:
When the narrator met the lady, he noticed that she was no longer young. She appeared to be around forty years old and had an imposing rather than an attractive appearance. He observed that she had many large white teeth, which seemed more practical than beautiful. She was lively, talkative and confident. Although she repeatedly claimed that she never ate more than one thing for luncheon, she ordered several costly dishes. The narrator soon realised that she was selfish, inconsiderate and completely unaware of the financial burden she was placing on him.
7. Why did the narrator feel complacent when he met the lady many years later?
Answer:
The narrator felt complacent because, after many years, fate had finally rewarded him with a small sense of revenge. The lady, who had once eaten a lavish meal at his expense while pretending to eat very little, had now become extremely overweight. The narrator humorously remarks that she now weighed twenty-one stone. Remembering how much she had made him suffer financially, he quietly enjoyed this ironic outcome and felt satisfied.
8. "I never eat anything for luncheon." Discuss the irony of this statement.
Answer:
The lady repeatedly claims that she never eats anything for luncheon, or at most one simple item. However, her actions completely contradict her words. During the meal she orders salmon, caviar, champagne, asparagus, coffee, ice cream and peaches. She continues to insist that she never eats more than one thing, even though she consumes a very expensive and elaborate meal. This contradiction creates dramatic irony because both the narrator and the readers know that her statement is completely false. Her words also increase the narrator's anxiety as the restaurant bill grows larger with every new order.
9. Extended Writing: Give evidence from the chapter to show whether or not the lady enjoyed the luncheon.
Answer:
The lady clearly enjoyed the luncheon, although she constantly pretended to be a very modest eater. She confidently selected the finest and most expensive dishes available at the restaurant. She ordered salmon instead of a simple meal, asked for caviar while waiting, insisted on drinking champagne because her doctor supposedly allowed only that, enjoyed the giant asparagus, had coffee and ice cream, and finally accepted expensive peaches offered by the head waiter. Throughout the meal, she appeared cheerful, relaxed and talkative, discussing literature, art and music without showing the slightest concern for the narrator's financial condition.
Her repeated remarks that she "never eats anything for luncheon" and that people eat too much only make the situation more ironic. In reality, she thoroughly enjoyed every item she ordered. She never realised how deeply worried the narrator was about paying the bill. Her behaviour shows that she was insensitive, self-centred and completely unaware of the sacrifice her host was making. The luncheon was a delightful experience for her, but it became one of the most embarrassing and unforgettable experiences of the narrator's life.
Integrate
10. The story mentions many interesting kinds of food. Find out about some of the cuisines of other countries. How is food related to the geography of a land? Draw a themed map depicting famous foods of the world.
Answer:
Food is closely related to the geography, climate, natural resources, and culture of a country. The type of crops that grow in a region, the weather, and the availability of animals or seafood influence the food people eat. For example, countries with long coastlines mainly eat fish and seafood, while countries with fertile plains grow rice, wheat, fruits, and vegetables. Cold countries often prepare rich, high-calorie foods to keep the body warm, whereas tropical countries prefer lighter and spicier dishes. Thus, geography plays an important role in shaping the cuisine of every region.
Famous Cuisines of the World
Country Famous Cuisine/Food Geography and Reason
Italy Pizza, Pasta Wheat, tomatoes and olives grow well in the Mediterranean climate.
France Croissants, Soufflé, Mousse Rich dairy farming and wheat production support baking and desserts.
Japan Sushi Surrounded by the sea, so seafood is abundant.
China Noodles, Dumplings Rice and wheat are widely cultivated in different regions.
Mexico Tacos, Burritos Corn, beans and chillies grow easily in the warm climate.
India Curry, Biryani, Dosa Different climates produce a wide variety of grains, spices and vegetables.
Thailand Pad Thai Rice farming and tropical fruits are common.
Greece Greek Salad, Moussaka Olive trees and vegetables grow in the Mediterranean climate.
United States Burgers, Barbecue Large-scale farming and cattle rearing provide meat and grains.
Turkey Kebab, Baklava Wheat, nuts and meat are produced in abundance.
WORLD FAMOUS FOODS
Italy → Pizza, Pasta
France → Croissant, Soufflé, Mousse
India → Biryani, Dosa, Curry
China → Noodles, Dumplings
Japan → Sushi
Mexico → Tacos
Thailand → Pad Thai
Turkey → Kebab
Greece → Moussaka
USA → Burger
WORD WALL
Time Expressions
1. Use appropriate time expressions from the list above to complete the following sentences.
a. __________ I received another letter from her saying she was ill.
Answer: Presently I received another letter from her saying she was ill.
b. __________ people are used to working on computers.
Answer: Nowadays people are used to working on computers.
c. Rohan has broken his hand. Reena, could you help him write his assignments __________?
Answer: Rohan has broken his hand. Reena, could you help him write his assignments for the time being?
d. I went shopping but __________ I got restless.
Answer: I went shopping but after a while I got restless.
e. __________ I heard the door slam.
Answer: Just now I heard the door slam.
f. These are the courses available __________.
Answer: These are the courses available at present.
g. __________ she lost her key and had to stay at a friend's house.
Answer: Yesterday she lost her key and had to stay at a friend's house.
h. __________ I am busy. I will definitely see you __________.
Answer: At the moment I am busy. I will definitely see you tomorrow.
Making Sentences
2. Make sentences with the following words taken from the story.
a. sight
Answer: I caught sight of a rainbow after the rain.
b. interval
Answer: We met our friends during the interval of the play.
c. flattered
Answer: I felt flattered when my teacher praised my project.
d. imposing
Answer: The principal has an imposing personality.
e. reassured
Answer: The doctor's words reassured the worried parents.
f. anticipated
Answer: The heavy rain was anticipated by the weather department.
g. unwise
Answer: It is unwise to waste water.
h. hospitable
Answer: The villagers were very hospitable to the tourists.
i. dramatic
Answer: The actor gave a dramatic performance on stage.
j. humorist
Answer: Birbal is remembered as a great humorist.
k. absentmindedly
Answer: He absentmindedly left his bag in the classroom.
l. inadequate
Answer: The food provided was inadequate for such a large crowd.
GRAMMAR TIME
Phrases and Clauses
1. In the sentences given below, say whether the words in italics are phrases or clauses.
a. Newton discovered gravity.
Answer: Clause
(Contains a subject Newton and a predicate discovered gravity. It expresses a complete thought.)
b. M. S. Subbulakshmi started learning Carnatic music at an early age.
Answer: Phrase
(The words at an early age do not contain a subject and a predicate.)
c. Mary Kom is a very talented boxer.
Answer: Clause
(It has a subject Mary Kom and a predicate is a very talented boxer.)
d. I was reading a book about the life of Baba Amte.
Answer: Phrase
(The italicized words only describe the book and do not have a subject and a verb.)
e. Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming.
Answer: Clause
(It has a subject Penicillin and a predicate was discovered by Alexander Fleming.)
Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences
Read the explanation carefully.
Simple Sentence
A simple sentence contains one independent clause with one subject and one predicate.
Example:
The lady ate a bowl of ice cream.
↓
Subject → The lady
Verb → ate
Object → a bowl of ice cream
Only one complete idea is expressed.
Compound Sentence
A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions.
Common conjunctions
and → adds information
but → shows contrast
or → gives a choice
so → shows result
yet → shows contrast
for → gives a reason
nor → expresses a negative alternative
Example
The lady ate a bowl of ice cream and she drank a cup of coffee.
↓
Clause 1 → The lady ate a bowl of ice cream.
↓
and
↓
Clause 2 → She drank a cup of coffee.
Both clauses can stand alone as complete sentences.
Complex Sentence
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent (subordinate) clauses.
Example
The lady drank a cup of coffee after she ate a bowl of ice cream.
↓
Main Clause
The lady drank a cup of coffee.
↓
Subordinate Clause
after she ate a bowl of ice cream
The subordinate clause depends on the main clause for complete meaning.
Transformation of Simple and Compound Sentences
Simple → Compound
Rule
Simple Sentence
↓
Expand a word or phrase into a clause
↓
Join the clauses using a coordinating conjunction.
Examples
1.
The teacher rewarded the student for his hard work.
↓
The student worked hard,
↓
so
↓
the teacher rewarded him.
2.
Besides teaching, Umberto Eco also writes books.
↓
Not only does Umberto Eco teach,
↓
but
↓
he also writes books.
Compound → Simple
Rule
Compound Sentence
↓
Reduce one clause into a phrase
↓
Remove the coordinating conjunction.
Examples
1.
Mary repaired the engine and put away her tools.
↓
Having repaired the engine,
↓
Mary put away her tools.
2.
We must leave immediately or we will not catch the bus.
↓
We must leave immediately
↓
to catch the bus.
Summary Chart
Sentence Types
Simple Sentence
↓
One independent clause only
Example:
The lady ate a bowl of ice cream.
Compound Sentence
↓
Two or more independent clauses
Joined by:
→ and
→ but
→ or
→ so
→ yet
→ for
→ nor
Example:
The lady ate a bowl of ice cream
↓
and
↓
She drank a cup of coffee.
Complex Sentence
↓
One independent clause
+
One or more dependent clauses
Example:
The lady drank a cup of coffee.
↓
after
↓
she ate a bowl of ice cream.
1. Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each sentenc. Make necessary chages to the sentecnes but do not alter their meaning.
a. Jack ploughed the field and sowed the beans.
Begin: Having...
Answer:
Having ploughed the field, Jack sowed the beans.
b. The farmers harvest rainwater and plant trees.
Begin: Besides...
Answer:
Besides harvesting rainwater, the farmers plant trees.
c. Besides running the relay, Shiney also ran the marathon.
Begin: Not only...
Answer:
Not only did Shiney run the relay, but she also ran the marathon.
d. The mayor gave the fireman a plaque because he was brave.
Begin: The fireman was brave...
Answer:
The fireman was brave, so the mayor gave him a plaque.
Transformation of Simple and Complex Sentences
2. Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make necessary changes but do not alter the meaning.
a. My grandmother requested my help.
Begin: My grandmother requested...
Answer:
My grandmother requested that I should help her.
b. The man was too distracted to work.
Begin: The man was so distracted...
Answer:
The man was so distracted that he could not work.
c. The cake was so large that it could not fit in the box.
Begin: The cake was too...
Answer:
The cake was too large to fit in the box.
d. They went to bed early because they were tired.
Begin: Being...
Answer:
Being tired, they went to bed early.
Transformation of Compound and Complex Sentences
3. Follow the examples and rewrite the following sentences as directed. One has been done for you.
a. The film began as soon as we arrived.
Begin: No sooner did we arrive than...
Answer:
No sooner did we arrive than the film began.
b. Lincoln faced many hardships but he educated himself.
Begin: Although...
Answer:
Although Lincoln faced many hardships, he educated himself.
c. Smile and the world will smile with you.
Begin: If...
Answer:
If you smile, the world will smile with you.
d. My grandmother is old but she is very active.
Begin: Though...
Answer:
Though my grandmother is old, she is very active.
e. The sun rose and we set out on the trek.
Begin: When...
Answer:
When the sun rose, we set out on the trek.
Interchange of Main and Subordinate Clauses
4. Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make necessary changes but do not change the meaning of the sentences.
a. The train pulled out of the station as soon as we boarded.
Begin: No sooner...
Answer:
No sooner had we boarded than the train pulled out of the station.
b. The director called for a cut as soon as the actor delivered his lines.
Begin: Hardly had...
Answer:
Hardly had the actor delivered his lines when the director called for a cut.
c. As soon as the sun rose, Hilary and Tenzing began their trek.
Begin: No sooner...
Answer:
No sooner had the sun risen than Hilary and Tenzing began their trek.
d. As soon as they reached the summit, a strong wind started.
Begin: Hardly...
Answer:
Hardly had they reached the summit when a strong wind started.
Position of Subordinating Clauses
A subordinating conjunction (such as because, when, although, since, while, etc.) joins the main clause with a subordinate (adverbial) clause. The subordinate clause may come before or after the main clause.
Examples:
He was successful because he had worked hard when he was young.
Although I don't like cakes, I enjoy baking them.
Although she has always lived abroad, she speaks fluent Hindi because her mother taught it to her at home.
5. Follow the examples and join the pairs of sentences as directed.
a. I was late to work. I stayed back to finish my assignment. (Join using since)
Answer:
Since I was late to work, I stayed back to finish my assignment.
b. He is going to New York but he has always wanted to go to London. His grandfather stays in London. (Join the sentences using because and begin with although.)
Answer:
Although he is going to New York, he has always wanted to go to London because his grandfather stays in London.
c. The mice are at play because the cat is away. (Begin with while)
Answer:
While the cat is away, the mice are at play.
d. He doesn't know his mother tongue. He grew up in London. (Join using because.)
Answer:
He doesn't know his mother tongue because he grew up in London.
e. Keep the leftover food inside the refrigerator. It might go bad. (Begin with since)
Answer:
Since it might go bad, keep the leftover food inside the refrigerator.
f. She doesn't speak good French. She understands French very well. (Begin with although)
Answer:
Although she doesn't speak good French, she understands French very well.
SPELLING
Often Confused Spellings
1. Circle the word that is spelt correctly in each set. Refer to a dictionary if necessary.
a. argument / argument
✔ Answer: argument
b. comittee / committee
✔ Answer: committee
c. maintenance / maintainence
✔ Answer: maintenance
d. seperate / separate
✔ Answer: separate
e. grateful / greatful
✔ Answer: grateful
f. weird / wierd
✔ Answer: weird
g. accidentley / accidentally
✔ Answer: accidentally
h. pronunciation / pronounciation
✔ Answer: pronunciation
WRITE WELL
Notice Writing
1. Your school is holding a cooking competition. Draw up a notice inviting students to participate in it. Mention the date, time and venue, and the last date for registering.
Answer
GREEN VALLEY SCHOOL
Date: 16 July 2026
NOTICE
Inter-House Cooking Competition
The school is organising an Inter-House Cooking Competition for the students of Classes VI to VIII. Students who are interested in cooking are invited to participate and display their culinary skills.
The competition will be held on 30 July 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the School Auditorium. Participants may prepare any healthy dish. Judging will be based on taste, presentation, creativity and hygiene.
Students who wish to participate should register their names with their class teachers on or before 24 July 2026.
Ananya Das
Cultural Secretary
Green Valley School
Notice Format
SCHOOL NAME
↓
Date
↓
NOTICE
↓
Subject / Heading
↓
Reason for writing the notice
↓
Important details
→ Purpose
→ Date
→ Time
→ Venue
→ Last date for registration
↓
Name of Issuer
↓
Designation
LISTEN AND SPEAK WELL
1. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions by choosing the right options.
a. What is the name of the restaurant?
i. Hamas Cafe
ii. Yahmas Cafe
iii. Yam's Cafe
Answer: iii. Yam's Cafe
b. What does the man want to come to the restaurant for?
i. dinner
ii. afternoon tea
iii. lunch
Answer: ii. afternoon tea
c. How many guests at least will the man be accompanying?
i. four
ii. five
iii. six
Answer: ii. five
d. At what time does the man want to come?
i. three o'clock in the afternoon
ii. two-thirty in the afternoon
iii. two o'clock in the afternoon
Answer:
✔ ii. two-thirty in the afternoon
e. Which of the following is the name of the man who called for reservations?
i. Aneesh Agarawal
ii. Ameesh Agarwala
iii. Aneesh Agarawala
Answer:
✔ iii. Aneesh Agarawala
f. Which of these is not correct about the parking available?
i. it is valet assisted
ii. it is close to the restaurant
iii. it is street parking
Answer:
✔ iii. it is street parking
g. Which of these is most true about the cafe?
i. The cafe has no regard for customers with special needs.
ii. The cafe is respectful of people with special needs.
Answer:
✔ ii. The cafe is respectful of people with special needs.
2. Imagine you are participating in a writing competition at school. You have to write a persuasive article about the benefits of a balanced diet and regular exercise. In groups of four, have a discussion on the topic and put down points. Then write the article. Keep the following points in mind while writing:
begin with facts or data and show why it is important to discuss the effects of a balanced diet and exercise
compare the effects of balanced diet and exercise with the effects of junk food and lack of exercise
give reasons to prove that a balanced diet and exercise are extremely important and healthy
conclude with a short summary of your argument
Answer:
Persuasive Article
Balanced Diet and Regular Exercise – The Key to a Healthy Life
Good health is one of the greatest gifts a person can have. According to health experts, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly reduce the risk of many diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart problems. Therefore, developing healthy habits from an early age is essential for a happy and active life.
A balanced diet provides our body with carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water in the right proportions. These nutrients help us grow properly, build strong bones and muscles, improve immunity and keep our minds alert. Regular exercise, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or playing games, strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation and keeps the body fit and energetic.
On the other hand, eating junk food frequently and avoiding physical activity can seriously harm our health. Fast foods often contain excessive oil, sugar and salt but very little nutrition. Spending long hours watching television or using mobile phones without exercising can lead to obesity, poor posture, weak muscles and low stamina. Such unhealthy habits also reduce concentration and affect academic performance.
Some people argue that preparing healthy meals takes more time and that regular exercise is tiring. However, the long-term benefits of good health far outweigh these temporary inconveniences. Even thirty minutes of exercise each day and simple home-cooked meals can make a significant difference.
In conclusion, a balanced diet and regular exercise are the foundations of a healthy lifestyle. By eating nutritious food, avoiding excessive junk food and staying physically active, we can protect ourselves from diseases, remain energetic and enjoy a better quality of life. Healthy habits adopted today will ensure a healthier and happier tomorrow.
Graphic Organiser (Simple Text Format)
Balanced Diet and Regular Exercise
│
┌─────────┼─────────┐
│ │ │
Reasons Evidence Counter-arguments
│ │ │
↓ ↓ ↓
• Keeps the body healthy
• Gives energy
• Builds immunity
• Improves concentration
• Prevents diseases
│
↓
Evidence
→ Health experts recommend nutritious food.
→ Regular exercise strengthens the heart and muscles.
→ Healthy people remain active and energetic.
→ A balanced diet supports proper growth.
│
↓
Counter-arguments
→ Healthy food takes time to prepare.
→ Some people think exercise is tiring.
→ Junk food is quick and tasty.
│
↓
Conclusion
→ Eat a balanced diet every day.
→ Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes.
→ Avoid excessive junk food.
→ Healthy habits lead to a happy and successful life.
About the Author
William Somerset Maugham (1874–1965)
William Somerset Maugham was one of the most famous English novelists, short-story writers and playwrights of the twentieth century. He was born in Paris, France, on 25 January 1874. After the death of his parents, he was brought up by his uncle in England. He later studied medicine at St. Thomas' Hospital, London, where he came into close contact with people from different walks of life. These experiences greatly influenced his writing.
Although Maugham qualified as a doctor, he soon realised that his true passion was literature. He gave up medicine and devoted himself entirely to writing. His simple yet engaging style, realistic characters and subtle humour made him one of the most widely read authors of his time. His works often explore human nature, social behaviour and the weaknesses of people with wit and irony.
Maugham achieved great success as both a novelist and a playwright. Some of his best-known novels include Of Human Bondage (1915), The Moon and Sixpence (1919), The Painted Veil (1925) and The Razor's Edge (1944). During the First World War, he also worked as a spy for the British government, and some of his experiences later inspired his famous collection of spy stories, Ashenden.
"The Luncheon" is one of Maugham's most popular short stories. It is based on one of his own experiences in Paris and is written with humour, irony and sharp observation. The story highlights human greed, hypocrisy and the embarrassment of a young writer who struggles to pay for an expensive lunch.
William Somerset Maugham died on 16 December 1965 at the age of 91, leaving behind a rich literary legacy. Today, he is remembered as one of the finest storytellers in English literature, admired for his clear style, memorable characters and insightful understanding of human nature.