The Melodrama of Unequal Marriages in W. Somerset Maugham’s ‘The Merry-Go-Round’

W. Somerset Maugham has a sharp criticism of English society lurking behind his words. He portrays society as a sly monster that may seem lethargic, but is always watching, ready to crush individuals who dare to defy its norms. This perspective is vividly echoed in his novel The Merry-Go-Round, published in 1905. Set against the backdrop of Edwardian England, this story is filled with drama, gossip, and scandal, primarily revolving around the complex lives that arise from unhappy marriages.

Portrayal of Lives in Chaos

At the heart of this drama is Miss Ley, a 57-year-old single woman who, having inherited a fortune from her elderly aunt, lives comfortably. In her youth, she was independent and passionate, but now she finds herself meddling in the lives of her friends. Miss Ley occupies a peculiar position, always ready to advise or criticise, regardless of whether her friends request it or not.

The story introduces us to a range of characters during a dinner party hosted by Miss Ley. Here, we meet Basil Kent, Frank Hurrell, and the charmingly troubled Mrs. Murray, among others. Interestingly, the group’s primary focus is marriage, with each character involved in various relationships that range from tragic to absurd.

Basil Kent, for example, becomes infatuated with Mrs. Murray but feels obligated to marry Jenny, a barmaid, when she gets pregnant. His decision stems from a misguided sense of honour, despite Jenny’s lower social status. On the other hand, Mrs. Castillyon breaks her marriage vows when she begins a secret affair with Reggie. Bella, at 40, falls in love with a man much younger than herself, a situation that sends shockwaves through her social circle. Despite the age difference, this relationship empowers her to stand up to her domineering father for the first time.

The Unequal Relationships

In The Merry-Go-Round, Maugham explores the theme of unequal relationships. Each character grapples with the apparent disparity within their unions, often determined by social class, career prestige, and, in many cases, age gaps. Bella constantly faces reminders of her age, with comments like “ancient” thrown her way. The scandal of an older woman loving someone younger ignites gossip, making it nearly impossible to ignore.

Basil, attempting to make an honourable decision by marrying Jenny, soon finds himself ashamed of her lower-class background. He begins to see her as unworthy of being his wife, leading to tensions that ultimately tear their marriage apart. Here, Maugham illustrates how societal prejudices can warp relationships into bitter failures.

Mrs. Castillyon’s affair with Reggie resembles a page from a gossip magazine more than a genuine love story. Their interactions are filled with humor, misunderstandings, and malice, exposing the flaws of their social class. The upper class suffers from various ailments—selfishness, arrogance, and an inflated sense of propriety—elements that often ruin their relationships.

A Critical Look at Marriage

Maugham’s The Merry-Go-Round* takes a skeptical stance on marriage, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by unequal couples. Unlike others, Bella’s relationship stands out; it is built on genuine affection and selflessness. Miss Ley believes that marriage can elevate social standings, yet examples like Basil and Mrs. Castillyon’s relationships serve to prove otherwise. Marriages rooted in obligation and sacrifice are often dismal failures, regardless of wealth or intellect.

Ultimately, most of the characters’ unhappiness stems from their own shortcomings—petty grievances, pride, or a refusal to understand themselves. While society casts a shadow, Maugham suggests that it’s the characters’ own choices that lead to their regrets and failures. The “iron hand” of society might seem threatening, but it often merely highlights the flaws already festering within.

In conclusion, The Merry-Go-Round serves as a poignant exploration of the human condition, laying bare the trials and tribulations caused by unequal marriages. Maugham’s characters navigate a tumultuous social landscape in their quest for love and acceptance, making their struggles relatable even decades after the story was written.

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