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SECTION C: SHORT STORIES
In this section, questions have been set on the following stories:
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THE LUNCHEON, by W Somerset Maugham
THE COFFEE-CART GIRL by Es’kia Mphahlele
Choose ONE of the short stories and answer the set questions.
QUESTION 11 (ESSAY QUESTION)
THE LUNCHEON – W Somerset Maugham
In the story, The Luncheon, greed causes a total lack of consideration for others.
Write an essay in which you discuss this statement. In your answer refer to
specific incidents in the story.
In your essay you may consider the following ideas, among others:
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
The narrator’s lifestyle and character
The woman’s manipulative nature and actions
The effect the woman’s actions have on the narrator
Length: 250 – 300 words
[35]
OR
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MEMORANDUM
QUESTION 11
NOTE: Use the 35-mark assessment rubric to assess candidates’ essays.
Accept alternative views which are relevant and well-substantiated.
The following points may be included in the essay, among others:

The narrator’s lifestyle and character:
o The narrator was poor, living in a tiny apartment in Paris.
o Earned a small salary, struggled to make ends meet.
o Wrote books
o Flattered by the woman’s wish to have luncheon with him
o Unassertive – could not say no to a woman
o Gullible – expected the woman to be young and attractive
o Tolerant, patient – was prepared to be an attentive listener, tolerated the
woman’s greed
o Hospitable
o Sensible – lived within his means
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The woman’s manipulative nature and actions:
o Manipulative – invited herself to luncheon
o Inconsiderate – he had to fit into her schedule, chose one of the most
expensive restaurants, ordered the most expensive items on the menu
o Self-centred
o Talkative – flattered the narrator
o Greedy – could not stop ordering
o Deceptive – said one thing, but did the another
o Pretended to offer advice
o She speaks to the narrator in a condescending manner – despises his small
tip
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The effect the woman’s actions have on the narrator:
o He becomes less tolerant and less patient, but remains polite
o Becomes revengeful – enjoys the fact that she has become over-weight
[35]