Sophie, a character in W. Somerset Maugham’s novel The Razor’s Edge, meets a tragic end that is both significant and poignant. She dies by suicide, overwhelmed by her struggles with identity, love, and societal expectations.
Throughout the novel, Sophie grapples with her past, particularly her intense feelings for Larry Darrell, the protagonist, and the loss of her former life. After a series of disheartening events, including the harsh realities of life in Paris and her inability to cope with the expectations placed upon her, she becomes increasingly despondent.
Ultimately, her death is a culmination of her emotional turmoil. Sophie seeks solace in the only way she believes is available to her—by taking her own life. This moment serves not only as a pivotal point in the novel but also reflects the broader themes of existential despair and the quest for meaning in a chaotic world.