# The Meaning of Greatness in The Moon and Sixpence

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

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.

## Links

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