Cakes and Ale

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 1930, Somerset Maugham's novel «Cakes and Ale» is a satirical work in which the author explores themes of hypocrisy and ambition within literary circles. Known for his sharp wit and keen insight, Maugham uses the characters in the book to critique society and the literary establishment of the time. The protagonist, writer Edward Driffield, becomes the subject of scrutiny and manipulation by a biographer, raising questions about truth and fiction in literature. The book also addresses the theme of personal and creative freedom, making it relevant even in today's context. The novel's impact on culture lies in its ability to expose human weaknesses and vices, making it an important work in Maugham's literary legacy and in 20th-century English literature as a whole.