The Moon and Sixpence · Question
How does The Moon and Sixpence develop the theme of Gender Roles and Marriage?
Answer
The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham develops Gender Roles and Marriage across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book examines the limitations of conventional marriage and gender roles, portraying Mrs. Strickland as a social climber, Blanche as a victim of passion, and Ata as a compliant partner, while Strickland rejects domesticity entirely.
The chapter explores the Stricklands' marriage: Mrs. Strickland is the sociable hostess, while Mr. Strickland is a dull provider, reflecting traditional gender roles and the question of why 'nice women marry dull men.'
Mrs. Strickland is portrayed as the ideal wife and mother, managing her home with elegance and speaking affectionately of her husband, reinforcing traditional gender roles.
Mrs. Strickland manages the social sphere while her husband remains a passive, unremarkable presence, highlighting traditional marital roles.
Evidence in the book
- IV
The chapter explores the Stricklands' marriage: Mrs. Strickland is the sociable hostess, while Mr. Strickland is a dull provider, reflecting traditional gender roles and the question of why 'nice women marry dull men.'
- V
Mrs. Strickland is portrayed as the ideal wife and mother, managing her home with elegance and speaking affectionately of her husband, reinforcing traditional gender roles.
- VI
Mrs. Strickland manages the social sphere while her husband remains a passive, unremarkable presence, highlighting traditional marital roles.
- VII
Mrs. Strickland is portrayed as the devoted wife and mother, while Charles Strickland is seen as a dull but adequate provider, reflecting traditional gender roles.
- Chapter VIII
Mrs. Strickland's distress and the Colonel's outrage highlight the era's assumptions about marital obligations and female dependence.
- IX
The discussion highlights the vulnerability of Mrs. Strickland as a wife left without financial support.
- Chapter X
Mrs. Strickland's concern with social appearances and her role as a wife and mother reflect the constraints of marriage in this era.
- XVI
Mrs. Strickland's strategic use of the false elopement story to gain sympathy and financial independence highlights the constraints and opportunities for women in marriage and society.
