# Convention vs. Individuality in The Moon and Sixpence

> Theme guide for The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham.

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.
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/viii): Strickland's abrupt departure defies societal expectations of marriage and duty, shocking his social circle.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/ix): Strickland's abrupt abandonment of his family and business defies social conventions.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xi): Strickland's rejection of respectability and his comfort in a shabby, solitary life contrast sharply with the narrator's expectations and societal norms.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xii): Strickland defies societal expectations of a stockbroker and family man, choosing an unconventional path as a painter.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xiv): Strickland's complete disregard for social norms and the narrator's analysis of conscience as a societal tool highlight the tension between individual freedom and societal expectations.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xv): Strickland's abandonment of his family and career to become a painter starkly contrasts with the conventional expectations of his social circle, who cannot comprehend his choice.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xvi): Mrs. Strickland conforms to social expectations by maintaining a brave facade, yet she subverts convention by taking control of her own livelihood through typing.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xvii): The narrator's decision to leave London contrasts with Mrs. Strickland's adherence to social conventions and her concern for appearances.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xviii): Stroeve's conventional, sentimental painting contrasts with the avant-garde movements like Impressionism, highlighting the tension between popular taste and artistic innovation.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xix): Stroeve's conventional, hackneyed paintings contrast with Strickland's unrecognized but genuine artistry, highlighting the tension between popular taste and true originality.
- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxii): Dirk's unconventional defense of Strickland's art clashes with the dealer's conventional view that success defines merit.
- [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxiii): Strickland's brutal honesty and disregard for social niceties contrast with Stroeve's conventional, sentimental nature.
- [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxiv): Stroeve's conventional sentimentality about Christmas contrasts with Strickland's isolated, indifferent existence.
- [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxv): Blanche's conventional fear and hatred of Strickland clashes with Dirk's reverence for his genius and his willingness to defy social norms to help him.
- [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxvii): Strickland's disregard for social norms and Stroeve's studio arrangement highlights the clash between conventional behavior and artistic individualism.
- [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxviii): Blanche's choice to leave a stable, loving marriage for an uncertain future with Strickland defies social conventions and highlights the pull of individual desire.
- [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxix): Stroeve's conventional expectation of marital fidelity clashes with Strickland's and Blanche's individualistic pursuit of passion, leading to social and emotional turmoil.
- [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxi): Stroeve's conventional behavior and appearance clash with his inner romantic passion, highlighting the conflict between societal norms and personal feeling.
- [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxii): Blanche's choice to leave a secure home for an uncertain life with Strickland challenges societal norms and highlights the tension between convention and individuality.
- [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxviii): Stroeve contrasts the safe, conventional life of a carpenter with the uncertain path of an artist, questioning the wisdom of his choice.
- [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xl): Strickland's disregard for social niceties and the narrator's internal conflict between conventional disgust and individual amusement.
- [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/l): Abraham defies societal expectations by abandoning a prestigious career for a modest life, embodying the tension between social norms and personal fulfillment.
- [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/li): Strickland's unconventional marriage to Ata, arranged without legal ceremony, defies European social norms and reflects his rejection of civilized constraints.
- [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/lviii): Mrs. Strickland's polite, socially acceptable version of her marriage clashes with Strickland's rebellious, unconventional life; the narrator silently contrasts Robert's pious conformity with Ata's son's untamed existence.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/themes/convention_vs_individuality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/themes