The Moon and Sixpence · Question
How does The Moon and Sixpence develop the theme of The Meaning of Greatness?
Answer
The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham develops The Meaning of Greatness across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative questions what constitutes true greatness—whether it is social success, moral virtue, or the authentic expression of a unique vision—and argues that Strickland's genius lies in his uncompromising pursuit of his inner vision.
The narrator distinguishes between the transient greatness of politicians and soldiers and the authentic, lasting greatness of Strickland as an artist.
The narrator questions what constitutes lasting artistic greatness, contrasting Strickland's potential genius with the ephemeral success of most books and the forgotten fame of poets like George Crabbe.
The narrator's detachment from the tragedy and his turn to other subjects reflects a questioning of what truly matters in life.
Evidence in the book
- I
The narrator distinguishes between the transient greatness of politicians and soldiers and the authentic, lasting greatness of Strickland as an artist.
- II
The narrator questions what constitutes lasting artistic greatness, contrasting Strickland's potential genius with the ephemeral success of most books and the forgotten fame of poets like George Crabbe.
- XXXVII
The narrator's detachment from the tragedy and his turn to other subjects reflects a questioning of what truly matters in life.
- XLVIII
Strickland's unrecognized genius during his lifetime contrasts with the posthumous valuation of his work, questioning how greatness is measured.
- L
The chapter contrasts Abraham's quiet contentment with Alec Carmichael's conventional success, questioning what constitutes a meaningful life.
- LVIII
Mrs. Strickland positions herself as the wife of a genius, while the narrator contrasts her conventional life with Strickland's true artistic legacy and his other son's freedom.
