Salvatore by W.

Somerset Maugham
4 OCT 2017 DERMOT ECHOES, W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM CITE POST

In Salvatore by W. Somerset Maugham we have the theme of responsibility,

acceptance, happiness, dignity and humility. Taken from his Collected Short Stories
collection the story is narrated in the first person by an unnamed narrator and from the
beginning of the story the reader realises that Maugham may be exploring the theme of
responsibility. Salvatore is responsible for looking after his two younger brothers. Which
may be important as it suggests that Salvatore’s parents trust him to look after his
younger siblings. It is also noticeable that Salvatore is good-natured. He takes
everything in his stride particularly the fear he has when he has to enlist in the Navy.
Salvatore doesn’t want to leave home, but he knows that he must accept the position
he finds himself in. He is dignified though at the same time scared about what might
happen him considering that he has never left home before. This may be important as
Maugham may be suggesting that by joining the navy there will be a transition from
boyhood to manhood for Salvatore. There is also no disputing that Salvatore is in love.
Something that is noticeable by the fact that Salvatore writes so many letters to his
girlfriend. What is also interesting is that the narrator never mentions Salvatore
receiving any letters back. Though as readers we know that Salvatore has not been
forgotten by his girlfriend. However, we do eventually learn that she is not prepared to
marry him due to his rheumatism. Which may suggest that Salvatore’s girlfriend is
being selfish and putting her own interests first. Rather than sticking to the commitment
she made to marry Salvatore.

It is also noticeable that Salvatore when he discovers that his girlfriend doesn’t want to
marry him fully accepts the position, he finds himself in. Again, there is a sense that
Salvatore is acting with dignity or as the narrator prefers to say at the end of the story
‘goodness.’ He does not have a bad word to say about his girlfriend. Even though some
critics might suggest he has a right to considering that his girlfriend abandoned him.
Maugham also manages to make Salvatore human by way of his comment about
Assunta – ‘she’s as ugly as the devil.’ Similarly, the fears that Salvatore has about
joining the navy also make him very human. Assunta is also an interesting character as
she seems to compliment Salvatore’s character. She is level-headed and like Salvatore
she has a good heart. It is also noticeable that when Salvatore’s children are born, he
acts as a good father to them as well being a hard worker (when he can).

Salvatore also appears to be a very humble person. He doesn’t take himself or his
situation (rheumatism) too serious. He is content in his marriage to Assunta and he
seems to accept his limitations. Doing what he can in the vineyard and fishing. In all
likelihood there doesn’t seem to be anything that will faze Salvatore. He has complete
acceptance about where he is in life. Which probably helps him to be so humble. There
is also no mention of Salvatore wanting for anything. He has his fishing and vineyard
businesses and he has his wife and his children. The past is exactly that to Salvatore
and if anything, Salvatore lives in the present. Where many would wallow in self-pity
should their past mirror Salvatore’s this is not the case for Salvatore. He finds joy in the
simple things in life. Things like bathing his children in the sea bring Salvatore much
happiness.  Again, there is a sense that Salvatore no matter what circumstances he
might find himself in. Will accept whatever is happening to him.

Which is important as life is easier when an individual has the ability to accept
everything around them. It is half the battle in living when a person finds the courage to
realise that they have no control over outside influences. Salvatore’s ex-girlfriend being
an example. Maugham has managed to write a story about a young man who though he
has been challenged by life has overcome any obstacle that has been put in front of
him. Salvatore has managed to prosper despite incurring difficulties in life and at the
same time he holds no ill will towards others. Where many would have been beaten by
the rejection that Salvatore received from his ex-girlfriend. Salvatore kept looking
forward and found happiness with Assunta and his children. In reality Salvatore is a
good man who is dignified and humble. Two character traits that a lot of people in life
could learn from. He understands the importance of family and the character traits he
had as a brother he has carried through as a father. Life is a lesson and there are some
people who learn the lesson well. Salvatore is one of these people. Whatever life has
thrown at Salvatore he has accepted his situation, moved on and prospered. Though
some critics may suggest that Salvatore is just a simple islander. The same critics could
learn a lot by walking in Salvatore’s shoes. Just to see if they too would handle life with
the same calmness that Salvatore does.