The Unknown; A Play in Three Acts

Name: The Unknown; A Play in Three Acts
Author: W. Somerset Maugham

By W. Somerset Maugham

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About This Book

Set in a Kent manor house, the three-act drama follows an elderly couple and their circle as they confront a distressing disclosure about their son and the domestic strain it causes. Through scenes of intimate family life and conversations with a parish clergyman and a physician, the characters debate faith, conscience, and the limits of consolation, bringing private grief into collision with public moral questions. The work stages ordinary provincial people reacting to loss and uncertainty, using restrained dialogue and modest domestic detail to examine doubt, compassion, and the search for meaning.

About the Author

W. Somerset Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham was a British playwright, novelist, and short story writer, known for his keen observations of human nature and society. His works often explore themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of life. Maugham's notable novel, "Of Human Bondage," is a semi-autobiographical account that delves into the struggles of a young man's search for identity and purpose. He was also a prolific playwright, with works such as "East of Suez" and "Cæsar's Wife" showcasing his talent for dialogue and character development. Maugham's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on 20th-century literature.