Maugham's service as a 'Literary Ambulance Driver' and his intelligence work during World War I exposed him to varied human conditions, which enriched his storytelling with authenticity and depth (). His post-war travels to the South Seas and other remote areas expanded the geographical and cultural horizons in his work, bringing in diverse settings and perspectives. These experiences allowed Maugham to infuse his stories with a rich tapestry of human experiences collected from various parts of the world ().

Maugham's modesty and self-deprecating humor often echoed through his narratives, focusing on characters who, like himself, did not perceive themselves as extraordinary despite their achievements. His works often featured 'everyman' characters who faced life's challenges with simplicity and resilience, such as Albert Edward Foreman in 'The Verger' (). This thematic choice reflected his belief in the universality of human experiences and the subtle heroism in ordinary lives ().

Albert Edward Foreman represents Maugham's fascination with human diversity and the complexity of seemingly simple lives. Although Foreman is illiterate, he exhibits great practical wisdom and adaptability, which are traits Maugham valued and often explored in his work (). Foreman's journey from a verger to a successful businessman without the ability to read highlights Maugham's interest in the nuanced and varied forms of intelligence beyond academic knowledge ().

Maugham's financial success and broad popularity led to a certain devaluation of his literary reputation, as society often equated literary merit with exclusivity rather than widespread appeal (). Despite his significant contributions to literature and his exploration of complex themes, his work was often labeled as being more accessible than prestigious. This reveals a bias within literary circles that tended to prioritize less successful or more 'difficult' work as being inherently superior, thereby underrating Maugham's achievements ().

Maugham's shift from medicine to writing underscored his belief in following one's passion over societal or familial expectations. His medical training provided him with insights into human suffering and psychology, which became prominent themes in his novels and stories (). This transition also marked a departure from a structured career path to a pursuit of personal fulfillment through literature, indicating his philosophy that genuine success is derived from aligning one's work with their intrinsic passions ().

Gerald Haxton played a significant role in Maugham's later writing years, acting not only as a secretary but also as a source of inspiration and material for his stories. Haxton's companionship during travels allowed Maugham to explore and gather a diverse range of experiences and encounters, which enriched the settings and characters in his later works (). Their partnership facilitated Maugham's close observation of human nature across different cultures, directly influencing the authenticity and depth of his narrative worlds ().

Maugham's early life was marked by the death of his parents and a challenging upbringing, which contributed to a sense of melancholy in his literary themes. Educated in France and deeply influenced by Schopenhauer's philosophy and Ibsen's dramas in Heidelberg, Maugham developed a unique style characterized by a keen observation of human nature and societal norms (). The combination of a harsh childhood, his stammer, and his diverse educational background fed into his writing, leading to works that explored the depth of human emotions and societal structures ().

Maugham's struggle with a stutter possibly enhanced his writing career by directing him towards written expression, where he could communicate without the impediment of speech. This personal challenge likely deepened his empathetic understanding of human fragility and vulnerability, contributing to his nuanced character development across his works (). His ability to portray complex human emotions and insecurities suggests an intimate empathy, possibly informed by his own experiences with communication barriers ().

Maugham's medical education provided him with a deep understanding of human physiology and psychology, which he applied to the realistic portrayal of life in 'Liza of Lambeth'. His training allowed him to depict the gritty and challenging aspects of working-class life with authenticity and empathy, crafting a naturalistic novel that drew heavily on his observations as a medical student (). This novel laid the groundwork for his thematic focus on human suffering and societal issues in his broader body of work ().

Maugham's experience as a successful playwright informed his narrative style with a strong sense of dialogue and character dynamics. His plays' emphasis on realistic interactions and societal commentaries carried over to his novels and short stories, creating engaging and accessible narratives with concise dialogue and vivid character portrayals (). This background helped him craft stories that resonated with audiences both on stage and in written form ().