Maugham, W. Somerset: 1874-1965
The Moon and Sixpence, 1919 - Language/Style
- English Language Level: Medium
- Vocabulary – Most words are common English, but there are occasional older or more formal words (e.g., “ardent,” “melancholy”) that modern readers might need to look up.
Sentence Structures – The sentences are often longer and more complex than in contemporary English, with multiple clauses and descriptive passages.
Narrative Style – The book uses detailed descriptions and philosophical reflections, which require careful reading to fully understand the meaning (e.g. "He was a man of extraordinarily few words; but the expression of his eyes and the movement of his hands conveyed more than speech ever could;" the sentence conveys both observation and interpretation, requiring the reader to think carefully about the meaning).
Contextual Knowledge – Some references and cultural nuances from the early 1900s may be unfamiliar to modern readers, adding a slight challenge.
- Vocabulary – Most words are common English, but there are occasional older or more formal words (e.g., “ardent,” “melancholy”) that modern readers might need to look up.
- The language is mostly straightforward, though some vocabulary and sentence structures are slightly old-fashioned, reflecting its early 20th-century style.