# The Moon and Sixpence — Themes

> Major themes in The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham.

## Artistic Genius and Sacrifice

The novel explores the nature of authentic artistic genius through Charles Strickland, who abandons his family and social position to pursue painting, sacrificing personal relationships, comfort, and even his own life for his art.

### Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/i): The chapter explores how Strickland's genius was only recognized after his death, and how his personal flaws are accepted as part of his artistic merit.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xii): Strickland sacrifices his family, reputation, and comfort for an uncontrollable drive to paint, illustrating the theme of artistic compulsion over personal ties.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xix): Stroeve insists Strickland is a great artist despite his lack of success and rude behavior, echoing the idea that genius is not immediately recognized.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxi): Strickland lives in poverty, indifferent to comfort, and sacrifices all for his art, painting with difficulty and refusing to show his work.
- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxii): The debate between Dirk and the picture-dealer highlights the tension between unrecognized genius and commercial success, questioning whether merit alone can bring recognition.
- [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxix): Strickland's painting of Blanche is portrayed as a transcendent work that transcends personal tragedy, highlighting the sacrifice of human relationships for art.

## Convention vs. Individuality

Strickland's rejection of societal norms—leaving his wife, ignoring public opinion, and living as a beachcomber—highlights the tension between the expectations of civilized society and the individual's need for self-expression.

### Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/ii): The generational conflict between old and new artistic conventions is explored, with the narrator acknowledging the inevitable cycle of rebellion and replacement.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/iii): The chapter contrasts the conventional, almost business-like discussions of publishing and royalties with the artistic pretensions and eccentricities of the writers, showing the tension between commercialism and creative expression.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/iv): Mrs. Strickland's conventional social life contrasts with the bohemian eccentricities of the writers she entertains, highlighting the tension between societal norms and artistic individuality.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/v): Mrs. Strickland's conventional domestic life is contrasted with her husband's philistine nature and the narrator's literary pursuits, hinting at underlying tensions.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/vi): Strickland's dull, conventional demeanor at the party contrasts sharply with his later rebellious and individualistic pursuit of art.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/vii): The narrator contrasts the conventional, orderly happiness of the Strickland family with his own inner desire for a more dangerous and unpredictable life.

## Love and Obsession

The book contrasts conventional love and marriage with destructive passion, as seen in Strickland's coldness toward his family, his affair with Blanche Stroeve, and his ultimate devotion to art over human connection.

### Where it surfaces

- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/x): Mrs. Strickland's desperate desire for her husband's return, despite his betrayal, highlights the theme of obsessive love.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xv): Mrs. Strickland's intense hatred and desire for a dramatic reconciliation reveal the complex interplay of love, pride, and obsession in her reaction to Strickland's departure.
- [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxv): Dirk's love for his wife and his obsessive admiration for Strickland's genius create a painful conflict, while Blanche's intense emotions suggest a deeper, possibly obsessive fear.
- [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxvi): Dirk Stroeve's obsessive devotion to Strickland's care and Blanche's silent, conflicted attention to Strickland hint at complex emotional undercurrents.
- [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxviii): Blanche's sudden, inexplicable devotion to Strickland over her devoted husband Dirk illustrates the irrational and consuming nature of love.
- [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxix): Stroeve's unconditional love for Blanche borders on obsession, as he is willing to forgive her betrayal and take her back despite his own suffering.

## The Primitive and the Civilized

Strickland finds his true artistic voice in Tahiti, where the primitive, untamed environment allows him to shed the constraints of European civilization and connect with a more elemental, sensual way of life.

### Where it surfaces

- [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxvi): Strickland is described as having something primitive, partaking of obscure forces of nature, like a satyr or faun, and possessing a sensuality that seems curiously spiritual.
- [Chapter of Reflection on Blanche Stroeve's Betrayal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxx): Strickland is described as having an untamed, wild quality, likened to 'wild beings of the world’s early history' and a satyr, highlighting the clash between primal instinct and civilized norms.
- [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxv): Strickland's primitive cruelty contrasts with Dirk's civilized compassion and the nurse's serene kindness.
- [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xli): Strickland's raw, instinctual desire is described as a primitive force, contrasting with the civilized expectations of society.
- [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xlv): The chapter contrasts the orderly, English nature of Wellington with the wild, mysterious beauty of Tahiti, emphasizing the island's primal allure.
- [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xlvii): The chapter contrasts the brutal, primitive life of Marseilles' low quarters with the civilized comfort the narrator knows, highlighting Strickland's immersion in a raw, savage existence.

## The Meaning of Greatness

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.

### Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/i): The narrator distinguishes between the transient greatness of politicians and soldiers and the authentic, lasting greatness of Strickland as an artist.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxvii): The narrator's detachment from the tragedy and his turn to other subjects reflects a questioning of what truly matters in life.
- [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xlviii): Strickland's unrecognized genius during his lifetime contrasts with the posthumous valuation of his work, questioning how greatness is measured.
- [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/l): The chapter contrasts Abraham's quiet contentment with Alec Carmichael's conventional success, questioning what constitutes a meaningful life.
- [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/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.

## Gender Roles and Marriage

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.

### Where it surfaces

- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/vi): Mrs. Strickland manages the social sphere while her husband remains a passive, unremarkable presence, highlighting traditional marital roles.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/viii): Mrs. Strickland's distress and the Colonel's outrage highlight the era's assumptions about marital obligations and female dependence.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/ix): The discussion highlights the vulnerability of Mrs. Strickland as a wife left without financial support.

## The Artist as Outcast

Strickland is depicted as a social outcast—selfish, brutal, and indifferent to others—yet his isolation is portrayed as necessary for his art, suggesting that true creativity often requires alienation from society.

### Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/i): Strickland is portrayed as a figure who made enemies, lived obscurely, and whose character was outrageous, yet his art is celebrated.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/ii): The narrator positions himself as an outsider in the literary scene, 'on the shelf' and out of step with the younger generation, mirroring the artist's isolation.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/iii): The narrator describes the literary circle as a 'mystic brotherhood' and notes the strange, unreal quality of the writers he meets, highlighting the artist's separation from ordinary society.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xi): Strickland's isolation in a mean street, living in squalor, foreshadows his role as an artist who has abandoned social conventions.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xiii): Strickland's rejection of social norms and polite behavior isolates him from conventional society.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xiv): Strickland's isolation from society and his indifference to blame position him as a monstrous outcast, driven by an uncontrollable creative instinct.

## The Pursuit of Truth and Beauty

Strickland's relentless drive to paint what he sees, regardless of technical skill or public approval, reflects a deeper quest for an inner truth and beauty that transcends conventional aesthetics and moral judgment.

### Where it surfaces

- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xiii): Strickland's indifference to worldly pleasures suggests a single-minded pursuit of an inner artistic vision.
- [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xx): Strickland's absorption in chess and his indifference to material comfort suggest a single-minded pursuit of his art.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxi): Strickland is driven by an inner vision, seeking to paint what he sees with his mind's eye, indifferent to external validation.
- [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxix): Stroeve's awe before the painting reflects the pursuit of beauty as a spiritual force, even when it causes pain.
- [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xlii): The narrator perceives Strickland's work as a search for a hidden truth and a new pattern in the chaos of the universe.
- [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xlv): The narrator suggests that in Tahiti, Strickland finally found the circumstances to express the vision he sought, achieving a realization of his artistic dream.

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