Mr. Know-All

                                                   William Somerset Maugham, England (1874 – 1965)

Summary in English

"Mr. Know-All" is a short story by Somerset Maugham. This story represents humanity and love in the one hand, so-called racial discrimination and prejudices in the another hand. Therefore, the story portrays the conflict between reality and appearance. In addition, it reflects the human nature and character where most hated people can be humble.

The narrator of the story is going to Yokohama of Japan from San Francisco, America. He catches the ship where he meets the stranger named Mr. Max Kelada. From the very beginning, the narrator dislikes. He shows his identity of English nationality. Though Mr. Kelada is black and hated by him and other people, he is closer to him as well as with others. He is talkative and funny. Despite Mr. Kelada is the best subject of hatred from all people, he is everywhere and always knows everything. So, he is nicknamed as "Mr. Know-All".

"Mr. Know-All" is hearty and argumentative. He is the native of the Middle West. One evening there is a great debate between Mrs. Ramsay and Mr. Know-All. Mrs. Ramsay is the American Consular service posted at Kobe, Japan. Mr. Kelada claims that the price of pears of Mrs. Ramsay is very expensive, heavily costs about $ 30,000. At the same time, Mr. Ramsay informs him that Mrs. Ramsay bought those pearls in $18 only. As they discuss, both of them bet $100 for this necklace.

As Mr. Kelada observes the pearls by his magnifying glass, he knows the pearls real that makes him cheerful smile. He becomes ready to reveal the truth to Mrs. Ramsay but her eyes are different to tell the truth. He looks at Mrs. Ramsay's white face with fear. Similarly, Mr. Ramsay says that those pearls are not original but only the imitation of the original ones. Looking at such, Mr. Kelada loses the bet and pays the money to Mr. Ramsay. It is because he wants to see the happy married life of Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay.

In the next morning, an envelope is slipped in with $100 inside and sent the address of Mr. Kelada. After opening letter, Mr. Kelada becomes happy. At the end Mr. Know-All says that if he has a pretty little wife, he shouldn't let her spend a years in New York, America while he stays at Kobe, Japan. Listening such wonderful statement, the narrator knows how frank, talkative and lovable "Mr. Know-All" to see the conjugal life Mrs. Ramsay and Mr. Ramsay.