On a Chinese Screen
What is On a Chinese Screen about?
On a Chinese Screen (1922) is a collection of 58 short sketches and vignettes drawn from Maugham’s travels in China. Sharp, witty portraits of missionaries, colonial officials, merchants, and Chinese characters create a vivid mosaic of early 20th-century China.
Main themes in On a Chinese Screen
China travel
In On a Chinese Screen, china travel provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Colonial life
On a Chinese Screen thoughtfully explores colonial life through its central conflicts.
Sketches
The presence of sketches in On a Chinese Screen connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Missionaries
On a Chinese Screen thoughtfully explores missionaries through its central conflicts.
Why On a Chinese Screen is still relevant today
A masterclass in the literary sketch form. Maugham's razor-sharp observation captures colonial China with economy and wit.
More by this author
Frequently Asked Questions
What is On a Chinese Screen about?
58 short sketches from Maugham's China travels — sharp portraits of missionaries, officials, and merchants.
Where can I read it?
Free on TextStack.