Summary
The Moon and Sixpence is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham that draws inspiration from the life of French artist Paul Gauguin. The story follows Charles Strickland, an English stockbroker who leaves his family and comfortable life in London to pursue painting in Paris. Strickland embodies the archetype of an artistic genius who disregards social conventions to follow his passion. Presented in an episodic, first-person style, the novel, published in 1919, captures the tension between creative obsession and personal turmoil.
Plot
The Moon and Sixpence follows Charles Strickland, a London stockbroker who follows his passion for painting. The story is narrated by an author familiar with Strickland from London's social circles. Driven by his desire to create art, Strickland quits his job, abandons his family, and moves to Paris.
In Paris, Strickland lives in poverty. His commitment to painting overshadows societal conventions. He interacts with Dirk Stroeve, a Dutch painter who recognizes Strickland's talent and offers assistance. Despite this, Strickland seduces Stroeve's wife, Blanche, using her as a muse and later abandoning her, which results in her suicide. His dedication to art contrasts sharply with his indifference to others.
The story progresses as Strickland moves to Tahiti, marries a local woman, and intensifies his focus on art. Before dying of leprosy, he paints a masterpiece on his hut walls. His wife fulfills his last wish by destroying the artwork, reflecting his life devoted to art at the cost of personal relationships.
Characters
Charles Strickland: An Englishman, Strickland quits his job as a stockbroker and leaves his family in London to pursue painting, moving first to Paris and then to Tahiti. Driven by his dedication to art, he disregards societal norms and the feelings of others, creating tension in his interactions.
The Narrator: An unnamed writer observes Strickland's life, drawn to his commitment to art while disturbed by his disregard for others. The narrator presents the contrast between Strickland's artistic success and his treatment of those around him.
Dirk Stroeve: A Dutch painter in Paris, Stroeve admires Strickland's talent and becomes his champion. His kindness is betrayed when Strickland engages in an affair with Stroeve's wife.
Amy Strickland: Charles's wife, who continues to manage their social engagements and family after her husband's departure. Amy exemplifies resilience and the challenges of keeping up appearances.
Blanche Stroeve: Dirk's wife, who leaves him for Strickland. After Strickland abandons her, Blanch falls into despair, resulting in her suicide. Her story reflects the complexities of love and loyalty.
Ata: Strickland’s Tahitian wife, who supports his artistry and cares for him during his illness. Ata demonstrates unwavering commitment despite his indifference.
Dr. Coutras: A physician in Tahiti, Dr. Coutras examines Strickland's leprosy, noting his stoic acceptance. He reflects on Strickland's final days with a mix of professional observation and personal curiosity.
Themes
Artistic obsession
Artistic obsession is central in The Moon and Sixpence, with Charles Strickland exemplifying its intensity. Strickland leaves his ordinary life, ignoring family duties and social norms, to pursue his artistic goals. His journey from London to Paris and Tahiti represents a relentless quest for creative fulfillment. This suggests that genuine art requires total commitment, often sacrificing personal relationships and stability.
Society vs. authenticity
The Moon and Sixpence examines the tension between societal norms and authenticity. Strickland represents the clash between conforming to social conventions and following personal vision. Maugham critiques society's restrictive nature, indicating that true artistic success often demands rebellion against these limits. Strickland's preference for creative freedom over social acceptance encourages contemplation on the cost of living authentically. His paintings signify intrinsic genius, challenging societal expectations and aesthetic norms.
Personal sacrifice
Strickland's story is marked by sacrifices for artistic excellence. Abandoning loved ones and accepting poverty shows that achieving creative success often requires giving up conventional happiness. Dirk Stroeve's painful recognition of Strickland's artistic talent, despite personal loss, underscores the high price of artistic devotion.
The nature of morality
Strickland rejects conventional morals, guided instead by maintaining artistic integrity. This defiance questions the universality of moral standards and suggests that individual truth and purpose may justify actions seen as immoral by society.
Gender dynamics
The novel explores gender dynamics, examining traditional roles that define men's and women's positions in society. It proposes that men gain identity through achievements, while women find significance in their relationships with men. This investigation into gender roles questions societal expectations that limit personal and creative freedom, as seen in Strickland's interactions with women, which often reveal conflicts between societal pressures and personal goals.
Setting
In The Moon and Sixpence, Tahiti symbolizes natural beauty and authenticity, contrasting with the restrictive social environments of London and Paris. On the island, Strickland experiences happiness and creative freedom, which he could not find elsewhere. This environment reflects his pursuit of breaking free from societal constraints to achieve true artistic expression.
Connection to Paul Gauguin
The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham parallels the life of post-impressionist artist Paul Gauguin through its protagonist, Charles Strickland. Maugham creates Strickland as a character who, like Gauguin, leaves a career in finance to pursue painting. Both abandon their families and relocate first to Paris and then to Tahiti with a strong dedication to art. Maugham's personal interactions with people who knew Gauguin during his time in Tahiti influenced parts of Strickland's story.
Despite similarities, important distinctions exist. Strickland shows indifference to those around him, lacking the youthful energy and charm associated with Gauguin. Gauguin was vocal about his artistic goals, while Strickland remains silent, relying on his art for expression. This contrast creates narrative tension between Strickland's reserved demeanor and the vibrancy of his work, exploring the essence of artistic talent.
Quick facts
The Moon and Sixpence was inspired by the life of French artist Paul Gauguin, capturing the drama of his transition from banker to painter.
W. Somerset Maugham traveled to Tahiti in 1916 to ensure authenticity in his portrayal of the island and the fictional character based on Gauguin.
The book's title symbolizes the tension between lofty ambitions (the moon) and mundane, immediate needs (sixpence).
The Moon and Sixpence established Maugham's reputation as a novelist upon its publication in 1919, being ahead of its time in depicting artistic rebellion.
Charles Strickland, the protagonist, abandons a life of wealth and family to pursue painting, reflecting artistic obsession and personal sacrifice.
Strickland's journey takes him from London to Paris and ultimately Tahiti, highlighting his pursuit of artistic freedom.
The Moon and Sixpence explores complex themes such as artistic obsession, moral indifference, and the consequences of selfishness.
Despite contracting leprosy and becoming blind, Strickland continues to paint in Tahiti and produces his greatest artwork.
Strickland's masterpiece, resembling the Garden of Eden, was deliberately destroyed after his death per his instructions, symbolizing his contempt for societal judgment.
The Moon and Sixpence has been adapted several times, including a 1942 film, a 1957 opera, and a 1959 made-for-television film starring Laurence Olivier.
The story is narrated through a character who represents Maugham himself, illustrating the author's reflective involvement in the narrative.
Adaptations
The Moon and Sixpence has inspired several screen adaptations, as well as a play and an opera. The 1942 film, directed by Albert Lewin, stars George Sanders, who won acclaim for his portrayal of Charles Strickland, capturing his detachment from societal values, disregard for human connections, and all-consuming devotion to art. Another notable adaptation is the 1959 made-for-television film featuring Laurence Olivier in the leading role.
About the author
W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) was a British playwright, novelist, and short-story writer. He gained literary prominence with his novel Of Human Bondage (1915). Among other novels, he is known for The Moon and Sixpence (1919), an exploration of the personal and social costs of artistic genius inspired by the life of Paul Gauguin, and The Razor’s Edge (1944), following an American pilot’s search for meaning after World War I, which ultimately leads him to India. Dedicated to authenticity, Maugham wrote stories grounded in real life and focused on examining human motivations and emotions, as well as larger questions about society, morals, and mortality.
