11th English NCERT Chapter Theory 8

Understanding the Text: Analyze why the author was happy to see his former acquaintance grow heavy after taking advantage of his financial situation decades ago. This prompts discussion of character and consequences.

Expressive Language: Explore how expressions like "my heart sank" and "panic seized" contribute to our understanding of the narrator's emotions and the stressful situation at the luncheon.

Irony in the Story: Identify and discuss the ironic situations presented in the story, such as the author's financial predicament and the lady's lavish food demands despite her claim of eating little.

Literary Appreciation: Consider the humorous elements in the story, how they are constructed, and their effect on the narrative tone.

Narrative Technique: Examine how the first-person narrative enhances the storytelling, allowing readers to experience the protagonist’s perspective directly, thus heightening the emotional impact and engagement with the text.

Language Work: Identify words and phrases that suggest the author's financial struggles, enhancing the story's realism and relatability.

Suggested Reading: Engage with other literature that may offer thematic or stylistic parallels to "The Luncheon", such as Saki's "The Phantom Luncheon" or Maugham's own "The Ant and the Grasshopper", to broaden literary context and understanding .