Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion

The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham is our January 2022 New School Classic Group Read.

This is the SPOILER THREAD

I read this at Bob's suggestions two or three summers ago. It gave it five stars and moved it to my favorites shelf. I really like books about characters who are thoughtful about choosing their own path; their own lifestyle. This book was interesting because it was less about the philosophical struggle internally of a person "seeking" something and more about the effect this had on the people around him that he left behind. We all leave behind impressions and imprints on others that we rarely understand ourselves.

The original publication date of 1944 puts it toward the end of WW2. This would be a time when many were questioning and wondering, "What now?".

I've been listening to the audiobook. I'm almost done but I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I'll need to process a bit more.

Lynn - it seems like a lot of people in our group really loved it. I'll definitely want to read some more Maugham after this. I also like that you pointed out when it was written, that definitely brings some context to the emotions in the novel.

As the mother of an active military member I have seen how after a year or so away he must reinvent himself and start life over. That experience would have been multiplied many times over in the 1940s and many would have related to it.

I have my copy out and ready to begin. I am looking forward to reading this one.

I am sorry that I can’t join in reading this one right now because I am overbooked for January, but it sounds intriguing and I may come back to it later.

I've started and am loving it, but think it will be a slow read for me. Something about the prose makes me want to take my time and let it all sink in.

It's so helpful that you started your post with where you're at in the book, Matt. I hope others do the same, and then I'll be back as soon as I finish each section.

I liked this book, but didn't love it. I'm definitely up for reading more Maugham.

I struggled with Larry. I liked that he was true to himself, but I also found him kind of ridiculous. I sort of felt like Isabel did, when she asked him what would happen if everybody lived like that. "Loafing" about and "finding yourself" is a very privileged lifestyle.

I did really like his conversation about God. That was one of my favorite parts in the story.

Some reviews and summaries I read made it seem like Isabel gave up her chance at happiness by marrying Gray. I did not feel that way at all. I thought she made a wise choice. Larry is one of those characters that people like to dream about but it would mostly suck actually being with them. I think Isabel got everything she wanted. She had a family that loved her and plenty of money to have the life she dreamed about.

Larry is a memorable character. One that I'll probably still keep thinking about for awhile.

For those that have read Maugham before, which book of his is your favorite?

I've just finished part two and am loving this. It's very gentle, and I believe Matt used the word "unfolding" above. I like how this is gently unfolding, and it strikes me as a reader's story--I like the benefit of reading/studying/exploring for its own sake aspect.

It's so interesting how Maugham puts himself into the story here. You don't see that very often and so far it is really working for me.

How would you describe Larry Darrell? What drives him: is he searching for something, or running away from something? Are you sympathetic or unsympathetic toward him? What do you think of the fact that Larry has a small inheritance? Does that make his rejection of materialism less courageous...or is it irrelevant?

I am in part 3 and have a question.
When Larry explains that Kosti insisted on going out of the way to Cologne “on account of the Eleven Thousand Virgins”, what is he talking about? And the sentence finishes by saying Kosti “went on a bat”. Lost me.

Jerilyn wrote: "I am in part 3 and have a question.
When Larry explains that Kosti insisted on going out of the way to Cologne “on account of the Eleven Thousand Virgins”, what is he talking about? And the sentenc..."

It has been a while since I read the book and I had forgotten that detail. This is what I found on Google:

https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK...

Jerilyn wrote: "...And the sentence finishes by saying Kosti “went on a bat”. Lost me..."

We say, "Went to bat," meaning that one endorsed or backed whoever or whatever.

Ha. The questions about Kosti made me scan the novel and now I am rereading. Wow, Elliot Templeton and Larry are really two opposite extremes in character, aren't they?

Matt wrote: "I’m about 2/3 done now at the beginning of part 5. This has been a pretty quick read for me because the writing style and the layout of the chapters flow nicely.

In part 4, we find out that Larry..."

It would have been nice and stabilizing if Larry had come across Gautam Buddha 's Middle Path in India . The Middle Path recommends a path between severe asceticism on one hand and extreme extravagance on the other hand . It seems a reasonable way to salvation that Larry was looking for . I think ultimately Larry veered too much towards asceticism .
Actually , all religions recommend a balance between asceticism and extravagance, in different words .
I found Larry and Sophie to be very emotionally beautiful people, rare and beautiful . It was a pleasure to read about them and to know that such spiritually beautiful people also exist in this materialistic world .

What is the significance of the novel's title and epigraph?

The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over;
thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard.

Katy wrote: "What is the significance of the novel's title and epigraph?

The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over;
thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard."

Katy , this epigraph was taken from the sacred Hindu religious texts - the Upanishads . Salvation ( moksha or mukhti ) , according to Hinduism , is freedom of the soul from repeated earthly cycles of birth and death, and permission , at last , to enter the kingdom of Heaven . In Heaven, unlike on earth , happiness and sorrow don't come in phases , but rather happiness is forever. It is believed that there is no illness, no old age , no death in Heaven, Only happiness .
But Salvation is very difficult to achieve because the human soul generally succumbs to the many temptations that beset it during its earthly journey. These temptations are likened to
the Razor's Edge , and over the sharp edges of these testing temptations , of this materialistic world , the human soul unfortunately slips , stumbles and so often succumbs. It thus loses the visa permit to enter Heaven , and remains instead enmeshed in the repeated testing earthly cycles of birth and death.
Gautam Buddha 's Middle Path suggests a reasonable way to get Salvation.
Larry and Sophie were people who valued other people's lives and human bonds . Larry was seriously disturbed by his friend's death in the war . He became restless to find the meaning of life , which he did - the spiritual path vs the materialistic path , but I wish he had come across Gautam Buddha 's Middle Path.
Sophie, too , lost her balance when she lost her soul mate and , unfortunately , gave up on life .
Isabel was a materialistic lady . She gave up a beautiful soul mate , Larry ( who you come across just once in a blue moon ) , and chose Gray who offered all materialistic security. Then , too , she wanted Larry as well and selfishly spoiled things for Larry and Sophie. That was a very cruel and selfish thing to do . Larry and Sophie were beautiful soul mates and would have stabilized each other's lives . Well , there it is : .... the path to Salvation is hard.

Savita wrote: "Katy wrote: "What is the significance of the novel's title and epigraph?

The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over;
thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard."

Katy , this epigra..."


Beautifully said. I also think of the idea of clinging to the things of this world. In perhaps Zen Buddhism? the idea is not only does one slip and fall causing a loss of achieving heaven, but the love of material things can be a cause of this fall. We see that love of material things causing a loss of "earthly heaven" in Isabel's choices.

I do not want that too sound harsh towards Isabel. Maugham actually calls her extremely kind and generous when she told Larry to do what he needed to do and go to Paris. I agree.

Matt wrote: "I just finished part 1 of The Razor’s Edge. 1st impression- very readable, interesting start. Maugham’s writing style flows nicely.

This is a finding oneself/Bildungsroman story. Part 1 doesn’t g..."

I agree this is a classic Bildungsroman story, but the interesting twist for me is that it is not told in first person by the seeker, but rather by a third person narrative with limited knowledge. Because of this we never hear the internal dialogue of Larry's search.

Natalie wrote: "I liked this book, but didn't love it. I'm definitely up for reading more Maugham.

I struggled with Larry. I liked that he was true to himself, but I also found him kind of ridiculous. I sort of ..."

I had only read one other book by W. Somerset Maugham, The Painted Veil. The Painted Veil had many memorable scenes, but when I read The Razor's Edge it was by far my favorite.

Since we are discussing W. Somerset Maugham, I have wondered about him as a person. In The Razor's Edge someone commented - sorry I can't find where I read it - that perhaps Larry was like Maugham. I can see that to an extent, but I also think that Elliot is much closer to Maugham's persona. Perhaps he was a worldly socialite who also sought for the truth. I have been reading with this question in mind and I think that Maugham was a combination of those two characters, but in his life he ended up living the Elliot reality more closely. Did you know that Maugham was an orphan and raised by an uncle? Maugham also trained to be a physician. There are parallels to Larry there.

Lynn wrote: "Savita wrote: "Katy wrote: "What is the significance of the novel's title and epigraph?

The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over;
thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard."

Kat..."

Thank you , Lynn !
You are right about Isabel . In real life most people are neither all black , nor all white , but rather in some shade of grey . Something good, something bad . ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ But , you know , Lynn , pushing Sophie surreptitiously back to drinks was a dangerous thing to do. I was shocked. (hide spoiler)]

Larry spends several months with the Benedictines. Why does he eventually reject their conception of God? In what way does their religious faith not fulfill his needs?

I did feel bad for Sophie when Isabel left that little "test" for her , but I also think Larry was kind of ridiculous to think he could change Sophie. Anyone who has experience with addicts knows that there is absolutely nothing you can do until they want to change. I don't think Sophie really wanted to change, based on her behavior and attitude at the dinner party they had.

I didn't believe that Larry really "loved" Sophie. I got the idea that he loved the idea of saving her, maybe he saw it as part of his spiritual journey. I think Sophie knew that too. She had already met her soul mate and no one was going to replace him. I do believe Larry cared for Sophie.

I thought Isabel made the right choices for her. I thought she knew herself well. She loved Larry, but she also realized she wouldn't be truly happy living Larry's lifestyle. She needed security. I think if she'd married Larry she would've ended up resenting him. This way, she still gets her happy lifestyle, and I do believe that she loved Gray, just maybe not with the passion of youth that she felt for Larry. Personally, I would not be happy living Larry's lifestyle. It sounds miserable to me.

Not knowing anything about Maugham, and judging him purely on this book and the style it was written, I would imagine that he was more like Eliot, but wished that he was somewhat more like Larry.

Katy wrote: "Larry spends several months with the Benedictines. Why does he eventually reject their conception of God? In what way does their religious faith not fulfill his needs?"

These are thought provoking questions . I was not familiar with the Benedictines , so I looked up The Benedictine Way of Life on Google. The article was very informative. It says " St Benedict envisioned a balanced life of prayer and work as the ideal....... Benedictines should not be consumed by work, nor should they spend so much time in prayer that responsibilities are neglected ...... " . Very convincing, reasonable and appealing. There is similarity between St . Benedict 's teaching and Gautum Buddha 's Middle Path .
Why did Larry leave the monastery ? I read this book 2 years back and can't remember clearly what happened in the monastery. Did Larry have disharmony with the monks ? Was there a communication gap with the monks . S . Maugham must have given some explanation . The Benedictine way of life is meaningful and beautiful. It would have stabilized Larry and brought his search to an end I feel .

Natalie wrote: "I did feel bad for Sophie when Isabel left that little "test" for her , but I also think Larry was kind of ridiculous to think he could change Sophie. Anyone who has experience with addicts knows t..."

You have made good points in your observations , Natalie , but I slightly differ in some points .
Sophie was in a very vulnerable phase. Even if she had only
0 . 0001 % chance of being pulled out by Larry 's efforts , this was not the time to put her through any test . The consequence was ghastly.

I agree that " she had already met her soul mate and no one was going to replace him " . You're right there . But she and Larry would have had a stabilizing effect on each other . I think some good would have come of that .

Isabel made the right choices for her You're right there . Only thing , it is easy to love somebody when there is guaranteed material security. It is far more difficult to abide when there is only love to steer by . Actually , Larry veered too much on the side of asceticism . I think he needed to find a balance. A practical and reasonable approach with which Isabel might have been more comfortable .

Matt wrote: "Great thoughts Natalie. Perhaps Maugham was like Larry when he was younger but changed to be more like Elliot as he grew older.

I’ve enjoyed the conversation about the book. I plan to finish this..."

The closing events are thought provoking 🤔

A central question of the novel is, how can the spirit maintain itself in a world of corruption? What answer to that question does Hindu mysticism offer? Do you find the selflessness of mysticism a satisfying alternative to materialism? Are there other paths, different alternatives, for those who seek to live a good life in a corrupt world?

So many interesting questions in this thread! To Katy's last one, I'd say there are definitely many different paths to a good life. I felt like both Elliott and Isabel were caught in corruption, but they certainly made a good life for themselves, and Maugham saw them as basically good people.

As Savita said above, perhaps the Middle Path would have been a better choice for Larry, and maybe more acceptable to his friends. But what he found worked for him.

I think the reason he didn't stay with the monks had to do with some of the heavy things he later discussed w/Maugham--questions about a God that allows suffering and the reason for evil in the world. What he learned about karma became an answer that suited him better. I don't think he was looking for asceticism for asceticism's sake, but for answers to these questions that first came to him when his pilot friend was killed.

I didn't see Maugham like Larry or like Elliott, but what was interesting was he could move in both spheres, which allowed him to tell us the story.

Kathleen wrote: "So many interesting questions in this thread! To Katy's last one, I'd say there are definitely many different paths to a good life. I felt like both Elliott and Isabel were caught in corruption, bu..."

Yes , Kathleen , Larry found a path that worked for him . Actually , he was so deeply and genuinely disturbed by his friend's death . Who cares so much .? People usually just move on .
Sophie was also like Larry in this respect . A deep and genuine bond of love . She just let go life .

Katy wrote: "A central question of the novel is, how can the spirit maintain itself in a world of corruption? What answer to that question does Hindu mysticism offer? Do you find the selflessness of mysticism a..."

Very thought provoking and intelligent questions , Katy .
1) How can a spirit maintain itself in a world of corruption ?
i) You have to be strong if you wish to keep your feet on a conscience guided path. Just as there is no alternative to hard work , so also there is no alternative to building up your moral strength . Strength to face opposition, strength not to succumb when you see evil flourishing all around , strength to keep your moral vision focused correctly .
ii) Have faith in the Almighty 's love , concern and judgment - " the highest court of law " as Charles Dickens called it . Keep close to the Almighty through your prayers. You'll discover that God is not so aloof from us after all . He does communicate with us in different guises . Keep the doors of your soul open , and don't slacken your efforts. You will discover that above every steep slope , and behind every big rock God's love is waiting, wanting you to make it ! And then , somewhere down the lane , Heaven will stop to lend a helping hand . Have faith.
iii) There is a lot of corruption all around. But don't stop believing in the power of goodness. Only a few people are just black or white. Majority are in shades of grey - something good, something bad . And they are very amenable to inspiration. When they see goodness, they may react immediately or in due course, but goodness does leave an imprint on the mind . You take the initiative and light a lamp . Others will follow - some soon , some much later .
In spite of all the evil that shows up , hasn't society, the world over , built up norms , laws , religious guidelines and maintained and carefully preserved guiding art ( classical books , soul stirring songs and guiding classical movies ) to keep evil at bay ? And these efforts are not futile. We all have to do our bit to make this earth a better place , perhaps, one day , bring down Heaven to earth . Why not ?

Message contd below .

Message contd :
2) Do you find selflessness of mysticism a satisfying alternative to materialism ? Are there other paths ?
The Middle Path of Gautum Buddha appears to be the best answer . Money is important in life but one should not become so obsessed with acquiring / grabbing it that principles , morals and relationships get tossed aside , get trodden on . It is not a sin to be rich provided it was achieved on the right pathway, and provided one doesn't forget to do a reasonable amount of charity towards the poor and the needy .
Being selfless in our bonds of love, and in our commitments to the poor and needy ( taking care of our own privacy and security of course) is the easiest way to please Heaven . Selfless acts bring the purest and highest form of happiness , far different from the mean and uncomfortable happiness following selfish acts . Selflessness also removes spiritual blindness and makes the veil between man and God so much more transparent. The soul is able to see beyond the exit gate : why get obsessed with earth's temporary glittering palaces , when beautiful Heaven is waiting for us - a happiness which is forever . Just wisdom , maturity and patience are required to steer the soul through this spiritual examination of life.

I really wish I had had time to re-read this with the group. I loved it when I read it years ago and have really enjoyed the conversation here. Unfortuantely, my memory of it is too hazy to contribute anything meaningful.

Savita wrote: "Isabel was a materialistic lady . She gave up a beautiful soul mate , Larry ( who you come across just once in a blue moon ) , and chose Gray who offered all materialistic security. Then , too , she wanted Larry as well and selfishly spoiled things for Larry and Sophie. That was a very cruel and selfish thing to do."

Savita, thank you for expanding on the epigraph for us--I appreciate the background very much.

And I think I'm with you on what you said here. I'm a romantic and not very practical, and when I read what Larry offered Isabel before she dumped him--to travel the world in search of truth, well I thought I would have scooped that up in a minute! Move over Isabel, I'll go!

But, as Matt said above, to each his own.

So I was very sympathetic to Larry, even if I didn't necessarily relate to him. I think Maugham as narrator, the way he appreciates all of the characters, gives us the opportunity to do the same.

Greg wrote: "I really wish I had had time to re-read this with the group. I loved it when I read it years ago and have really enjoyed the conversation here. Unfortuantely, my memory of it is too hazy to contrib..."

This novel is all the more interesting because it's based on thinly veiled real life events. The conversation / discussion on it was therefore really enjoyable 🤔

Kathleen wrote: "Savita wrote: "Isabel was a materialistic lady . She gave up a beautiful soul mate , Larry ( who you come across just once in a blue moon ) , and chose Gray who offered all materialistic security. ..."

Thank you, Kathleen ! 😊
Yes , you've hit the nail on the head : S . Maugham, as a narrator, remains very unbiased himself . If there is some positive thing to say about a character , he says it , and if there is some negative aspect , he mentions that as well .
I liked that : " Move over , Isabel , I 'll go ! " . I had to smile at the image ! ☺

All the characters displayed dark and light, selfishness and generosity, sometimes in surprising ways. Having Maugham serve as a narrating character gave the author a sort of foil to weave his own life lessons and philosophy into the book. There were a few times I had to ask who was speaking. For example, Isabel waxes poetic at one point in an uncharacteristic manner. It was clearly the author speaking through her.

Jerilyn wrote: "All the characters displayed dark and light, selfishness and generosity, sometimes in surprising ways. Having Maugham serve as a narrating character gave the author a sort of foil to weave his own ..."

Yes , " All the characters displayed dark and light , selfishness and generosity , ..... " . That is what made this book so realistic 👌 . And it was written by an unbiased pen , leaving the reader to react . 🤔

I thought Larry and Sophie were more towards the white end of the spectrum . Very caring people . Souls that " dared to care "

I absolutely loved this book and I've really enjoyed the discussion above. There were so many memorable quotes from the novel; I just thought I add my favorites:

"Don’t you think he may be pursuing an ideal that is hidden in a cloud of unknowing—like an astronomer looking for a star that only a mathematical calculation tells him exists?”

The distance that separates you from faith is no greater than the thickness of a cigarette paper.

A God that can be understood is no God. Who can explain the Infinite in words?’

Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it. If change is of the essence of existence one would have thought it only sensible to make it the premise of our philosophy. We can none of us step into the same river twice, but the river flows on and the other river we step into is cool and refreshing too.

Isn’t it possible in the same way that the values we cherish in the world can only exist in combination with evil?” “It’s an ingenious notion, Larry. I don’t think it’s very satisfactory.” “Neither do I,” he smiled. “The best to be said for it is that when you’ve come to the conclusion that something is inevitable all you can do is to make the best of it.”

You see, money to you means freedom; to me it means bondage.”

Very nice quotes , Tom , especially about the hidden star , and the cigarette paper .
But I would like to make a point about enjoying earthly delights while we may . There is no reason why we should not enjoy the riches that earth's Treasure Houses have to offer , and for which we happen to be lucky enough to be eligible . Things, however ,go wrong when we become greedy and obsessed with the endless luxuries that money can bring .. more ... and more... and more .... there is no end .... , such that in the race to grab the better and the best , we drop our morals , principles and even precious , vulnerable relationships that happen to come in the way ! This , then , becomes a spiritually blind path .
So next question : why can't we pursue on this pathway when there are more and more luxuries to be enjoyed ? - Because our journey here is not unmonitored . If we have tossed our principles and beautiful relationships aside as we race ahead , then somewhere in this lifetime , or in a succeeding lifetime , as we remain enmeshed in these difficult cycles of rebirth and death , Divine Justice catches up with us . Spiritual Laws that govern us are widely observed: " The wheels of Divine Justice roll slowly , but surely ; " As you have sown , so you shall reap . " karma as we say in the East . So , why not aim for Salvation , liberation from these difficult cycles of rebirth and death , and get the coveted visa for Heaven , where happiness is for ever ? Why be spiritually myopic ?

I think Elliot is my favorite character. Not that I agree with all of his choices. Playing this role would take a comic genius, yet he has such a tragic life really. He isn’t greedy about money, only appreciates the society it opens for him. He is absurdly generous, and fiercely loyal to family. Though his Catholicism didn’t seem to guide his words and actions on the surface, there must have been a deeper faith lurking beneath.

First Maugham for me and at about half way into it, it has been a good experience. A question posed above asks basically what makes Larry tick. All I've discovered so far is that he's looking to understanding life and death. His friend's and his own. Through knowledge and experience. And that not just from his own societal origins. Sort of a quest for the grail. Others around him don't agree with his actions and in some way that might validate them to Larry who sees the pursuit of position and wealth as trivial at this point. See if that opinion makes theough the next chapters.

Has Larry traveled along the razor's edge? Has he achieved salvation? Does he, at least, find what he's looking for?

This is a great question, Katy. I love how the novel leaves this up in the air. We know he has given up his money, so he may have found where the rubber met the road (or the razor met the edge?). We don't know if he struggled and had regrets, or happily worked as a mechanic somewhere. Whichever way it went, I think maybe he did find what he was looking for.

@ Katy and Kathleen : Has Larry achieved salvation ?
Analyzing Larry 's actions and achievements:
Larry was not at the black end of the spectrum ( described in msg 46 - unreined greed and obsession with wealth ) . He was not even in the grey part . More likely he was at the white end . He got rid of the slavery to materialistic desires, perhaps even to a fault , as members have pointed out . But if Larry erred, it was on the right side.
I would like to point out that Larry didn't begin to live like a totally aloof hermit , completely withdrawn from life , surviving on his . inheritance. That would have been like a sailor who never went out into the sea of life! That would have been a faliure ! We have to set sail , meet life's examination , face challenges, fight it out on the right path . If we run away from life, not give this spiritual examination at all , how will we pass it ? So did Larry run away from life . I don’t think so :
( i ) Look how he stopped to help Sophie , attempted to pull her out of her addiction , and , if I am not mistaken , he wanted to marry her . That would have put additional responsibilities on his shoulders and stabilized him .
( ii ) He gave up his inheritance and set out to fight it out in life . He became a taxi driver . Bravo ! Kathleen , materialistic difficulties wouldn't have fazed him . His vision was trained beyond the exit gate of life - as long as his feet remained on the altruistic path , nothing else was going to upset him .
( iii ) How deeply and genuinely he was affected by his friend's death ! How deep must have been the bond ! How much he valued someone else's life ! Does not he , then , richly deserve entry to a land where the soul is believed to have an immortal existence.... there is no death , no painful bereavements .... freedom , at last , from earth's painful cycles of rebirth and death . : God 's Home.
The Scriptures say that Heaven highly appreciatives and respects our bonds of real love ( unselfish, unadulterated, unconditional ) . Did Larry not achieve a perfect score ? - be it in his relationship with life , interaction with Sophie , his relationship with the friend who died ? Would Heaven deny him Salvation ? Would Heaven withhold the visa permit for God's Home ? Unlikely .

Katy wrote: "Has Larry traveled along the razor's edge? Has he achieved salvation? Does he, at least, find what he's looking for?"

Larry is traveling the edge, I think. As in a life long journey. I don't think he's found what he's looking for, but maybe realizes it's a progressive movement that requires his releasing different aspects of his life along the way as a means of fulfillment. Less is more? Heard that somewhere.

Gini wrote: "Katy wrote: "Has Larry traveled along the razor's edge? Has he achieved salvation? Does he, at least, find what he's looking for?"

Larry is traveling the edge, I think. As in a life long journey. ..."

Gini , did you mean " forgoing " when you mentioned " releasing " ? Nicely said , " Less is more . " That is the essence of Enlightenment , which I think Larry was well in the process of understanding . Achieving Salvation, however , depends on the performance of a lifetime , as you and Kathleen have mentioned . I completely agree with this , only thing I have greater faith that Larry will never leave the altruistic path which he has found and decided upon .
Even Shakespeare , in one of his Sonnets ( I foget which one ) , warns against too much attachment to materialistic pleasures, which could tether the soul in bondage to never ending, potentially dangerous, glittering earthly temptations . ( Cliff's notes are required to decipher Shakespeare 's difficult Sonnets )

Savita wrote: "Gini wrote: "Katy wrote: "Has Larry traveled along the razor's edge? Has he achieved salvation? Does he, at least, find what he's looking for?"

Larry is traveling the edge, I think. As in a life l..."

Releasing or foregoing? Both maybe. Letting go of some things and not partaking in others. So yes, both work. Nice distinction. Thanks for sharpening my word choices. I've gotten pretty sloppy with it any more.
Not as sure about Larry's future actions, since he looks for faults in belief systems. But even as he does so, that could move him forward to a new level of understanding.

Gini wrote: "Savita wrote: "Gini wrote: "Katy wrote: "Has Larry traveled along the razor's edge? Has he achieved salvation? Does he, at least, find what he's looking for?"

Larry is traveling the edge, I think...."

Gini , I apologize to you ! Actually , I didn't mean to point out the difference between release and forgo . I was surprised by the word choice , so I looked up the dictionary and found , to my surprise , that both mean ' give up ' . That made it easier to understand your message .
I think basically all religions give the same beautiful messages . There is just a difference in the words and expressions used . So it's just a question of what got through to Larry's seriously disturbed soul , pointed out to him that death and bereavement could also be just temporary phenomena if we follow the right pathway which would lead us to Salvation .... freedom from these painful cycles of rebirth and death . All religions do tell us this in their own ways .

No need to apologize!! Please. You did a good thing. Actually, that's an example of the nuance type thing some words have in usage. Native speakers hear it-- sometimes. And yes, the religions that I am familair with do warn against clinging to the material world, and that physical death is not the last state of being. There's more to follow.
Larry was an interesting character. And leaving the reader with a question about his salvation is proper, I think. Each will receive his reward.

Thank you , Gini !