"The Kite" - A Short Story of Sommerset Maugham - Discussion on different aspects of

the story.
The Freudian concept : Sigmund Freud (1856 - 1939 ) , an Austrian psychoanalyst, studied
the human mind minutely, researched many finer aspect of human psyche and developed a
theory which is directly or indirectly related to the unconscious mind of human beings and its
nature. Freud identified three components of human mind : the 'id', the 'ego' and the 'super
ego'. Let us discuss about the different level of human psyche.
What is the 'id' of human psyche ? 'id' is , Freud says, a part of human psyche which is
predominantly unconscious and irrational level of the mind.This level is passionate and
unknown. 'id' may be said the innate instinctive impulse. The 'ego' , on the other hand, is
conscious and rational level of mind. It is predominantly logical and orderly.The part of
human psyche which internalizes the norms and mores of society is called, according to
Freud, the 'super ego'. The 'ego' is in the middle position of the 'id' and the 'super ego'. The
social norms and mores are the external elements as they are the factors of outside the self.
Our moral judgement or the in-built self-check mechanism guides us and tells us to make
sacrifice even at the cost of our interest. The 'super ego' functions as our moral guardian.

Sigmund Freud says about the "repressed wishes and fears" of human mind which are
pushed under the surface of the mind by the 'super ego' and further pushed by
the 'ego' to the unconscious level or the realm of the 'id' where the repressed emotions lay
dormant.
Dream is the manifestation of these repressions.
Freudian complication in "The Kite" : In the introductory part of the story the writer
Sommerset Maugham says : " Of course the first thing that occurs to me is that there is
something Freudian about it". The strange obstinacy of Herbert,the protagonist of the story, is
meant here. Herbert has absolutely refused to pay alimony to his wife as she has broken his
kite. He is such a hard nut to crack that he would rather "stay in jail all his life rather than
pay her a penny". The matter of 'repressed desires' in the mind of Herbert comes here. The
kite may be regarded as an unimportant thing by the ordinary people. But in the mind of
Herbert it is not merely a flying aid, the kite has become a thing of paramount importance to
him. Actually the kite-flying has become a passion to Herbert. It is not merely a game, not a
means of entertainment to him. The kite and kite-flying have pervaded all of his mind and for
it he thinks and plans about this thing the whole day long.When the kite is seen soaring
towards the cloud, he may gain a sense of power from it. In writer's word : "It may be that in
some queer way he identifies himself with the kite-flying so free and so high above him."
From the movements of the kite Herbert feels a sense of escape from the monotony of his
life. He finds freedom in kite-flying, he enjoys adventure in it. All these thinking are not
exposed , these lay 'repressed' in his mind. These 'repressed desires' conforms with the
'Freudian concept' which inspires one for the psychoanalytical study of this essay, "The
Kite".
 The domestic rue separates Herbert from his mother and he takes a rented house to
start a new life with his wife Betty Baven . Is that a separation in the true sense of the term?
Of course not. He leaves his house and parents physically but his mind says another thing
which is proved within few days when he starts coming to the Common , not as a kite-flyer
but as merely viewer. At least two strong desires go with Herbert repressed in his mind.
These are his unalloyed love for his parents, particularly for his mother Mrs. Sunbury and the
unquestionable attraction for kite-flying. The element namely 'super ego' compels him to
obey the societal norms and mores and his moral judgement instructs him to keep arms length
from his mother , though he has to tolerate the mental torture which he feels well.
According to Freud the 'super ego' pushes the 'repressed wishes or desires' under the
surface of the mind and this region is known as the 'ego' level which is conscious,rational,
orderly and logical level. The 'ego' further pushes the 'repressed desire' to the unconscious
and irrational level of mind known as the 'id' level where it waits dormant to be prominent as
a dream in future date. Here in the case of Herbert the 'suppressed desires' is not pushed to
the 'id' level, it takes a halt in the 'ego' level . As this a conscious and rational level of mind
the matter of suppression gradually recedes and a reconciliation between Herbert and his
mother Mrs. Sunbury become possible after a short gap of time.

Unraveling “The Kite” by William Somerset Maugham: A Captivating Journey

Overview: Unveiling the Essence of “The Kite”

“The Kite” unfolds against the backdrop of Maugham’s keen observations of human nature. The story
revolves around the life of Herbert Sunbury, a seemingly ordinary man whose encounter with a
mystical kite sets in motion a series of events that challenge societal norms and redefine his
existence.

Summary: Navigating the Narrative Tapestry

The tale begins in the quaint town of Harrogate, where Herbert Sunbury, a mild-mannered
clerk, stumbles upon an enigmatic kite during a weekend retreat. Little does he know that
this seemingly insignificant encounter will unravel the threads of his conventional life. The
kite becomes a metaphorical vessel, propelling Herbert into uncharted territories of
self-discovery.
As Herbert grapples with the complexities of his newfound desires and the societal
expectations that bind him, the narrative takes unexpected twists and turns. Maugham’s
eloquent prose brings to life a cast of characters who serve as mirrors reflecting the human
condition. The climax, set against the backdrop of a mesmerizing kite festival, is both
poignant and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a sense of introspection.
Analysis: Decoding the Layers of “The Kite”
Maugham, with his literary finesse, delves into the psyche of his characters, peeling back
layers to reveal the universal struggles of the human experience.
“The Kite” serves as a vehicle for the exploration of societal norms and the consequences of
daring to defy them. The kite, a symbolic entity in the narrative, becomes a metaphor for the
pursuit of dreams, freedom, and the inherent desire to break free from the constraints of a
predetermined life.
The Symbolism of the Kite in Maugham’s Work
Unraveling the metaphorical significance of the kite as a symbol of liberation and
self-discovery.
Character Analysis: Herbert Sunbury’s Journey
A detailed exploration of the protagonist’s transformation, dissecting the psychological
elements that make his character resonate with readers.
Maugham’s Writing Style: A Literary Analysis
Examining the author’s unique narrative techniques, prose choices, and the impact of his
writing style on the overall storytelling experience.
The Kite Festival: A Culmination of Themes
Analyzing the climactic events at the kite festival and their profound implications on the
narrative’s themes.
Conclusion: The Kite By Somerset Maugham Summary and Analysis
In conclusion, “The Kite” by William Somerset Maugham is a literary gem that deserves
nuanced exploration.