#discussion

The story under the title “The Escape” was written by one of the outstanding English writers – William Somerset Maugham. William Somerset Maugham is one of the best known English writers of the 20th century. He was not only a novelist, but also a one of the most successful dramatist and short-story writers. Maugham wants the readers to draw their own conclusion about the characters and events described in his novels. His reputation as a novelist is based on the following prominent books: “Of Human Bondage”; “The Moon and Sixpence”; and “The Razor's Edge”. Though Maugham doesn’t denounce the contemporary social order, he is critical of the morals and the narrow-mindedness. Realistic portrayal of life, keen character observation, and interesting plots coupled with beautiful, expressive language, a simple, clear, unadored style, place Somerset Maugham on a level with the greatest English writers of the 20th century. In general, Maugham's novels and short stories could b...

Charles  is a short story by American author Shirley Jackson. Although she is best known for her supernatural stories, Jackson also created humorous tales that focused on  realism , plausible situations from everyday life. In 'Charles,' the main character, Laurie, and his alter ego, Charles, are loosely based on Jackson's son Laurence. It is told from the mother's point-of-view and focuses on Laurie's search for identity. The story begins with Laurie's mother describing her son's first day of kindergarten. This is the day that he swore off his childish corduroy overalls and began wearing grown up blue jeans with a belt. Kindergarten changes him in other ways, as well; he becomes loud and insolent, slamming doors and talking back to his parents. Laurie is also full of stories about Charles, the class rebel. In the first few weeks of school, Charles is rude to the teacher, hurts some of the other students, and yells so loudly that it disrupts other class...