The Hero (Classic Unabridged Edition) (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A post-war British character study and psychological exploration of military duty, grief, and colonial lifeBy William Somerset Maugham
Length9h 40m
About this audiobook
The Hero is an early novel in which W. Somerset Maugham subjects the Victorian cult of martial glory to cool, ironic scrutiny. Set against the aftermath of the South African War, it follows the return of a celebrated soldier to domestic and provincial life, where public adulation, private desire, and moral convention gradually expose the emptiness of heroic reputation. Written in a lucid realist style, the book belongs to the transitional moment between late-Victorian moral fiction and the sharper psychological fiction of the Edwardian age. Maugham, trained as a physician and already alert to the contradictions of respectability, brought to this novel the clinical eye that would distinguish his mature work. His early experience among London's poor, his cosmopolitan upbringing, and his instinctive skepticism toward social performance all inform the narrative. Though not yet the polished master of later novels and stories, he is already fascinated by self-deception, hypocrisy, and the cost of living by inherited ideals. This unabridged edition is recommended to readers interested in Maugham's development, anti-heroic fiction, and the literary response to imperial war. It offers a concise but revealing study of courage, reputation, and disillusionment.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 3.9 (417)
Includes Goodreads
GenreLiterary Classics, General Fiction
Length9 hrs 40 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateApr 11, 2015
LanguageEnglish
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