The Value of Manual Labor

What is your opinion of manual labor? Do you, like Larry, agree that working in a coal mine can "clear one's head"? Do you think your generation engages in manual labor enough?

Youth and Marriage in The Razor's Edge

I hope Mr. Ross will forgive me for this, but I just couldn't help posting this.

Elliott Templeton expresses his conventional views on the act of marriage many times throughout the novel. Why do you think it's so important and formal to him? Do you think his views are wrong? How do you feel about Larry and Isabel and their prospects for marriage?

Also, Maugham describes Isabel's youth almost as if it was a character itself. What part do you think the idea of youth plays in this novel?

-L. Adams

Greetings, compadres. I thought of deleting all of last year's posts, and, indeed, did delete some of them--but then thought that you might be interested in hearing what others said last year. In any case, your job is to reply to all of the posts thus far, and to post an image from the book yourself that you think is significant. Thanks!

Post an Image of an Artist

Please, all of you, post an image of an artist who is referred to in the text. Some examples: Picasso, Monet, etc...Try to have your artist's work correspond to the early 1920's to mid 1930's. Gracias.

Who Do You See Yourself As?

Which character do you most resemble in character, personality, and values?

Opinion of Elliott

How would you describe Elliott? Do you think he is a snob? What do you like and/or hate about him?

What's the deal with Larry?

How do you feel about Larry's character so far? Do you agree with Elliot, that he'll never amount to much? What do you think motivates Larry? Why is he turning down a sewn-up future?