Certainly! “Catalina” is a novel written by W. Somerset Maugham and first published in 1948. Set in Spain during the Inquisition, the novel serves as a satire on the power of the church. Here’s a brief summary:
Plot Summary: Catalina, a crippled girl, witnesses a vision of the Virgin Mary and is supposedly cured by divine intervention. As a result, she is pressured into becoming a nun in a Carmelite convent. The Bishop of Segovia, who is himself undergoing a crisis of faith, becomes involved in the debate about the debt owed to God by Catalina for her cure. However, Catalina resists all attempts at control and is determined to marry the man she loves. She eventually joins a troupe of strolling players and becomes the most famous actress in all of Spain12.
Main Characters
Certainly! Here are the main characters from the novel “Catalina” by W. Somerset Maugham:
- Catalina: A crippled girl who witnesses a vision of the Virgin Mary and is supposedly cured by divine intervention. She is pressured into becoming a nun in a Carmelite convent but resists all attempts at control, determined to marry the man she loves1.
- Elsa Fisher: The main character in another novel titled “Catalina” by Liska Jacobs. Elsa is a young woman who experiences a downward spiral following the end of an affair. She retreats to Los Angeles and reunites with her abandoned crew of college friends, including childhood friend Charlotte, her wayward husband Jared, and Elsa’s ex-husband Robby. Together, they plan a booze-soaked sailing trip to Catalina Island, but Elsa’s intentions are far from celebratory2.
Plot
Certainly! “Catalina,” written by W. Somerset Maugham and published in 1948, is set in Spain during the Inquisition. The novel tells the story of Catalina, a crippled girl who witnesses a vision of the Virgin Mary. Supposedly cured by divine intervention, she is pressured into becoming a nun in a Carmelite convent. However, Catalina resists all attempts at control and is determined to marry the man she loves. She eventually joins a troupe of strolling players and becomes the most famous actress in all of Spain1.
Setting
The novel “Catalina” by W. Somerset Maugham explores themes of faith, healing, and individual agency. Set in Spain during the Inquisition, it tells the story of a crippled girl who witnesses a vision of the Virgin Mary. Supposedly cured by divine intervention, she resists societal control and seeks to marry the man she loves. The novel delves into questions of belief, personal autonomy, and the power of faith1.
Themes
The novel “Catalina” by W. Somerset Maugham explores themes of faith, healing, and individual agency. Set in Spain during the Inquisition, it tells the story of a crippled girl who witnesses a vision of the Virgin Mary. Supposedly cured by divine intervention, she resists societal control and seeks to marry the man she loves. The novel delves into questions of belief, personal autonomy, and the power of faith1.
Conclusion
Certainly! The novel “Catalina,” written by W. Somerset Maugham and published in 1948, concludes with Catalina resisting all attempts at control. Despite being pressured into becoming a nun in a Carmelite convent after witnessing a vision of the Virgin Mary, she remains determined to marry the man she loves. Eventually, she joins a troupe of strolling players and becomes the most famous actress in all of Spain1.
