Question Bank: The Luncheon

What types of food does the author mention during the luncheon?

Why does the author feel flattered at the start of the luncheon?

What does the woman order during the luncheon?

What is the author's financial situation during the luncheon?

How does the author react when faced with the high prices on the menu?

Which phrase best describes the headwaiter's demeanor?

What demonstrates the irony in the woman's attitude towards food?

What is the author's final thought about his experience twenty years later?

According to the author, what does he learn from the luncheon experience?

What does the author mean by 'I’ll eat nothing for dinner tonight'?

What does the author imply about the woman's past?

What is the tone of the story overall?

What does 'devastating passion' refer to in the story?

At what point does the author realize the true cost of the meal?

Which theme is dominant in 'The Luncheon'?

How long has it been since the author and the lady first met?

What type of cuisine does the lady request for the luncheon?

Why is the author flattered by the lady's invitation?

What does the author plan to do if he cannot pay the bill?

Which food does the lady prominently mention wanting at luncheon?

What does the author order to drink at the luncheon?

What is implied about the author's financial situation?

What is the effect of the first-person narration in the story?

What emotion does the author primarily feel during the luncheon?

What comment does the lady make about the author's eating habits?

What is a major theme illustrated through the author's experience?

What does the author feel towards the lady by the end of the luncheon?

Why does the author mention not recognizing the lady at first?

What does the word 'caviare' refer to in the context of the story?

How does the author perceive the lady's attitude towards food?

What does the author imply about his past self in Paris?

What does the guest claim she never eats during luncheon?

How does the guest describe her eating habits?

What reaction does the narrator have when the bill of fare is presented?

What does the guest order that surprises the narrator?

Which beverage does the guest insist on drinking during luncheon?

How does the narrator feel while the guest enjoys her meal?

What ironic twist occurs regarding the guest's dining claims?

What conclusion does the narrator draw about his experience with the guest?

Why does the guest insist on ordering giant asparagus?

How does the guest's conversation style affect the narrator during luncheon?

What does the guest’s declaration about feeling full imply?

How does the idea of 'having just a bite' play into the text's humor?

What shift happens in the narrator’s feeling towards his meal at the end?

What does the final scene of the guest enjoying peaches signify?

What character trait does the guest primarily demonstrate during the luncheon?

What is the overall effect of the guest's eating etiquette on the narrator?

What does the protagonist's financial situation primarily reflect about his character?

How does the protagonist attempt to impress his guest despite his financial limitations?

What unexpected choice does the protagonist make when ordering food?

What financial anxiety does the protagonist experience during the luncheon?

What does the guest’s insistence on ordering expensive dishes symbolize?

How does the protagonist justify his choice of inexpensive meals to himself?

What is the protagonist's primary concern when he receives the bill?

What did the protagonist's final remark after the luncheon imply about his feelings?

What deeper message might the story convey about social dynamics and financial concerns?

How does the protagonist's attitude towards wealth change by the end of the story?

What does 'mortifying' mean in the context of the protagonist's experiences?

What psychological effect does the protagonist's experience at the luncheon have on him?

What contrast is highlighted by the choice of food and drink ordered by the characters?

Which of the following best describes the protagonist’s inner conflict regarding the luncheon?

How does the portrayal of the restaurant serve to reflect the protagonist's financial concerns?

What feeling does the author express upon seeing the woman after many years?

Which phrase indicates the author's financial struggles during the luncheon?

What literary device is prominent when the author refers to the meal's aftermath?

How does the author's recollection of their first meeting shape the reflection on their current interaction?

What does the author's decision to not order for himself reveal?

What does the term 'mortifying' suggest in the context of the author's feelings at the luncheon?

What does the author's humor reflect about his personality?

What critical realization does the author come to about his guest's habits?

Which aspect of the dining experience creates a sense of tension for the protagonist?

How does the author ultimately view his encounter with the woman?

What role does irony play in the final exchange about not being hungry?

What does the author's description of the asparagus suggest?

What narrative perspective is utilized in 'The Luncheon' and how does it affect the story?

How does Maugham's use of humor impact the overall message of the story?

What inference can be made about the woman's character based on her dining choices?

What is the main financial concern of the narrator during the luncheon?

How does the narrator feel about the high prices at the restaurant?

Which of the following does the narrator prioritize in order to afford the luncheon?

What does the narrator order for his own meal?

What is the narrator's plan to deal with an insufficient amount of money to pay the bill?

Which item does the narrator's guest suggest adding to the meal that increases his worry about the bill?

How does the narrator feel about his guest's eating habits?

What is the narrator's approximate remaining funds after ordering?

What irony is present at the end of the story regarding the character's size?

What does the phrase 'my heart sank' reveal about the narrator's character?

How does the author portray the conflict between social obligation and financial stability?

What conclusion does the narrator reach about dining experiences with people like his guest?