The Moon and Sixpence · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
The narrator and Dirk Stroeve visit a café where Strickland is playing chess.
What happens
The narrator and Dirk Stroeve visit a café where Strickland is playing chess. Strickland is emaciated and ragged, but still defiant. The narrator offers to buy him dinner, and Strickland accepts.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Dirk Stroeve’s complete s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Artist as Outcast
Strickland's ragged appearance and defiant attitude highlight his rejection of societal norms.
- The Pursuit of Truth and Beauty
Strickland's absorption in chess and his indifference to material comfort suggest a single-minded pursuit of his art.
Characters to notice
- Charles Strickland
Found playing chess at the café, emaciated and ragged, but still defiant.
- The Narrator
Accompanies Stroeve to the café, observes Strickland, and offers to buy him dinner.
- Dirk Stroeve
Brings the narrator to see Strickland, but leaves early, leaving the narrator alone with Strickland.
Key passages
“I've never seen him in my life.”
Strickland claims not to recognize the narrator.
Despite a gleam of recognition, Strickland denies knowing the narrator.
“I might feel inclined to buy one.”
The narrator offers to purchase a painting.
The narrator tries to engage Strickland by showing interest in his work.
“I don't really care a twopenny damn if you starve or not.”
The narrator insists his offer is not out of pity.
The narrator adopts a blunt tone to match Strickland's indifference.
