Literature Analysis: The Man with the Scar

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary activity of the man with the scar in the bar?

Engaging in a conversation

Playing poker with matches

Drinking brandy

Selling lottery tickets (correct)

What does the acquaintance of the narrator think of the man with the scar?

He is a remarkable person

He is dangerous to be around

He is untrustworthy

He is not a bad fellow (correct)

What was the fate of the man with the scar after being captured?

He played poker before his execution

He escaped during the night

He was sentenced to life imprisonment

He was executed at dawn (correct)

What unusual method did the man with the scar and his companions use to pass time in jail?

They played poker with matches Signup and view all the answers

How did the man with the scar react to the delay before execution?

He questioned the officer about the delay Signup and view all the answers

What beverage did the man with the scar order at the bar?

Brandy Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the man with the scar's previous life?

He was a revolutionary general Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the man with the scar was noted by the narrator's friend?

His physical appearance and scar Signup and view all the answers

What did the condemned rebel request before the execution?

To say goodbye to his wife Signup and view all the answers

How did the execution occur?

The condemned men were shot by a firing squad Signup and view all the answers

What was the general's opinion of the condemned rebel's request?

He agreed to it without hesitation Signup and view all the answers

How did the condemned men fall after being shot?

They fell one after another in a grotesque manner Signup and view all the answers

Who was present with the general during the execution?

An aide-de-camp Signup and view all the answers

What was the woman's emotional state when she arrived at the execution site?

Distraught and anguished Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the soldiers when the woman ran toward the condemned rebel?

They showed surprise Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase did the condemned rebel use to express his feelings toward the woman?

Alma de mi corazón Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate reaction of the crowd after the stabbing incident?

They expressed horror and rushed forward. Signup and view all the answers

What did the A.D.C. discover about the girl after she was attacked?

She was dead. Signup and view all the answers

How did the general respond to the rebel after the stabbing?

He declared it a noble gesture and let him go. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason the rebel gave for stabbing the girl?

He loved her. Signup and view all the answers

What detail about the rebel's possession of the knife is mentioned?

It was concealed in his clothing. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the girl after the stabbing?

She remained unconscious until help arrived. Signup and view all the answers

What injury did the rebel sustain, as mentioned in the conversation?

A scar from a broken bottle. Signup and view all the answers

What did the general offer the rebel as he was being taken away?

Homage as a brave man. Signup and view all the answers

What physical feature of the man first captures the narrator's attention?

His broad and red scar Signup and view all the answers

How does the man's gambling activity relate to his character?

It highlights his risk-taking personality. Signup and view all the answers

What does the description of the man's scar symbolize in the story?

His physical and moral imperfections Signup and view all the answers

What impression does the narrator give of the man's lifestyle?

He lives in poverty and isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional transformation does the reader undergo regarding the man with the scar?

Initial feelings of sympathy turn to disdain. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of suit does the man with the scar wear, and what does it suggest?

A very shabby grey suit; he is impoverished. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator imply by saying the man is 'far from clean'?

He is neglectful of personal hygiene. Signup and view all the answers

What might the man's expression being described as 'artless' imply?

He is genuine and unpretentious. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Overview

The man with the scar has a broad, red scar running from temple to chin, suggesting a traumatic past.
Described as corpulent and powerful, he wears shabby clothes and has a carefree demeanor, often appearing intoxicated.
Formerly a revolutionary general in Nicaragua, he is now an exile selling lottery tickets in Guatemala City.

Plot Summary

Captured after a failed revolution, he faced execution alongside his comrades but was allowed a final farewell to his wife.
In a shocking act, he kills his wife with a knife during their reunion, claiming he loved her.
The act is viewed by others with a mix of horror and admiration, showcasing the complexities of human emotion.

Themes and Motifs

The juxtaposition of violence and love: the man's declaration of love for his wife contrasts starkly with his violent act.
The idea of luck and chance represented by gambling—his life has been a series of gambles, culminating in the fatal decision he makes regarding his wife.

Characterization

The scar symbolizes both his past trauma and his moral ambiguity, creating an interesting contrast between his appearance and actions.
His external features—shabby clothing and the scar—reflect an internal chaos and a troubled history, challenging traditional heroic ideals.

Perspective Shift

Initial feelings toward the man oscillate from curiosity about his scar to horror at his actions; empathy develops as his backstory is revealed.
By the end, the narrator’s perspective shifts towards a complex admiration for his bravery, as demonstrated by the general’s response.

Final Thoughts

The title "The Man with the Scar" highlights his physical disfigurement, but suggests deeper emotional scars from his experience as a revolutionary.
An alternative title could be "A Gamble of Love," emphasizing the risky and reckless nature of his love and actions.

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Description

Explore the complex themes and motivations in Somerset Maugham's story 'The Man with the Scar'. This quiz poses thought-provoking questions about the protagonist's actions and their moral implications. Delve deeper into the psychological and literary elements that shape the narrative.