# Futility and Cynicism in Ashenden

> Theme guide for Ashenden by W. Somerset Maugham.

Ashenden's detached, ironic observations—such as noting that good work goes unrewarded and that 'no one reads' his reports—reflect a cynical view of war's grand narratives, where individual efforts often seem pointless or absurd.

## Where it surfaces

- [III: Miss King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashenden_se/chapters/iii-miss-king): Ashenden's cynical reflections on patriotism and the absurdity of spy plots contrast with his reluctant engagement in Miss King's possible secret, underscoring a sense of futility.
- [The Dark Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashenden_se/chapters/v-the-dark-woman): Ashenden's cynical view of the mission and the grim fate awaiting the Greek spy reflects a sense of futility in war.
- [VI: The Greek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashenden_se/chapters/vi-the-greek): The mission ends in a tragic error—killing the wrong man—highlighting the futility and grim absurdity of espionage work.
- [VIII: Giulia Lazzari](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashenden_se/chapters/viii-giulia-lazzari): Ashenden's detached observation of Giulia's life and her failed escape highlight the futility and cynicism of espionage.
- [XIII: The Flip of a Coin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashenden_se/chapters/xiii-the-flip-of-a-coin): Ashenden reflects on the triviality of human endeavors—love, intrigue, success—against the vastness of the stars and the grim reality of war, leading to a coin flip as a decision-making tool.
- [XIV: A Chance Acquaintance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashenden_se/chapters/xiv-a-chance-acquaintance): Ashenden's wry comment about Edmund Burke's audience being dead reflects his cynical view of grand rhetoric and the seeming pointlessness of the journey.
- [XVI: Mr. Harrington’s Washing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashenden_se/chapters/xvi-mr-harrington-s-washing): Ashenden's disillusionment with Russian politics and the futility of Mr. Harrington's business mission reflect a growing cynicism.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashenden_se/themes/futility_and_cynicism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashenden_se/themes