The Moon and Sixpence is a novel written by W. Somerset Maugham that was first published in 1919. The book is an allegory that tells the story of Charles Strickland, a middle-aged English stockbroker who abandons his family and career to pursue his passion for painting. Strickland’s journey takes him to Paris, where he meets other artists and begins to create his own unique style.
Maugham’s novel is loosely based on the life of the French artist Paul Gauguin, who also abandoned his family and career to pursue his art in Tahiti. The Moon and Sixpence explores themes of passion, obsession, and the conflict between artistic expression and societal expectations. The novel is narrated by a first-person narrator who provides a series of glimpses into the mind and soul of Strickland, allowing readers to understand his motivations and struggles.
About ‘The Moon and Sixpence’
‘The Moon and Sixpence’ is a novel written by W. Somerset Maugham, first published in 1919. The book is loosely based on the life of French artist Paul Gauguin. The story revolves around the life of Charles Strickland, a middle-aged English stockbroker, who abandons his wife and children to pursue his passion for painting.
The novel is written in an episodic form, providing a series of glimpses into the mind and soul of its central character, Charles Strickland. The narrator describes the uniqueness of Strickland’s work and the intensity of his life, highlighting the nature of greatness as well as the struggle to accurately perceive it in Strickland.
Maugham’s writing style is characterized by his ability to create vivid and complex characters that are both relatable and intriguing. In ‘The Moon and Sixpence,’ he explores the themes of passion, obsession, and sacrifice, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in the human experience.
W. Somerset Maugham: A Brief Biography
W. Somerset Maugham was a British playwright, novelist, and short-story writer born in Paris on January 25, 1874. He was the fourth of six children of a lawyer in the British embassy. After his parents’ death, Maugham was sent to live with his uncle in England, where he was educated at King’s School in Canterbury and later at Heidelberg University in Germany.
Maugham began his career as a medical student, but he soon realized that his true passion was writing. He became a prolific author, writing over 100 short stories, 21 plays, and 17 novels, including “The Moon and Sixpence.” Maugham was known for his realistic and often satirical depictions of British society, as well as his exploration of themes such as the human condition, the nature of art, and the complexities of human relationships.
Throughout his life, Maugham traveled extensively, living in places such as France, Spain, and the United States. He was also a member of the British intelligence service during World War I, which inspired some of his later works. Despite his success as a writer, Maugham was often criticized for his personal life, including his homosexuality and his affairs with both men and women.
Maugham died in Nice, France on December 16, 1965, at the age of 91. His legacy as a writer continues to inspire and influence generations of readers and writers alike.
Overview of Allegory
The Moon and Sixpence is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham that is often regarded as an allegory for the life of Paul Gauguin, a French artist. The story follows the life of Charles Strickland, a middle-aged English stockbroker who abandons his family to pursue his desire to become an artist.
Throughout the novel, Maugham uses various symbols and motifs to convey deeper meanings. For example, the moon is often used to represent Strickland’s pursuit of beauty and truth, while the sixpence represents his desire for material wealth.
The character of Blanche is also symbolic, representing the traditional values and expectations of society that Strickland rejects in his pursuit of art. The nude portrait that Strickland paints of Blanche is another allegorical element, representing the conflict between society’s expectations and the artist’s desire for creative expression.
Main Characters as Allegorical Figures
The main character of the novel, Charles Strickland, can be seen as an allegorical figure for the artist who is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of his art. His character is portrayed as a man who abandons his family and career to pursue his passion for painting. This character can be interpreted as a symbol of the artist who is willing to go to great lengths to create something beautiful.
The narrator, who is also a character in the novel, can be seen as an allegorical figure for the critic or the observer. The narrator is fascinated by Strickland’s pursuit of greatness and follows his journey throughout the novel. He is also the one who tells the story of Strickland to the reader. This character can be interpreted as a symbol of the critic who observes and analyzes the work of the artist.
Other characters in the novel, such as Blanche Stroeve, Dirk Stroeve, and Mrs. Strickland, can also be seen as allegorical figures. Blanche Stroeve, for example, can be interpreted as a symbol of the muse or the inspiration for the artist. Dirk Stroeve can be seen as a symbol of the art dealer or the patron, who supports the artist financially. Mrs. Strickland can be interpreted as a symbol of the traditional values and expectations that the artist must overcome to pursue his passion.
Themes and Symbolism
The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham is a novel full of themes and symbolism. One of the most prominent themes of the novel is the conflict between societal norms and individual desires. The protagonist, Charles Strickland, abandons his family and successful career as a stockbroker in order to pursue his passion for painting. This theme is also reflected in the character of Dirk Stroeve, who sacrifices his own artistic ambitions for financial stability.
Another important theme in the novel is the search for meaning and purpose in life. Strickland’s journey to become a successful artist is a quest for self-discovery and fulfillment. The novel explores the idea that true happiness can only be achieved by following one’s own path, even if it means going against societal expectations.
Symbolism plays a significant role in The Moon and Sixpence. The moon, for example, is a recurring symbol throughout the novel. It represents the elusive and mysterious nature of Strickland’s artistic vision, as well as the cyclical nature of life. The sixpence, on the other hand, symbolizes the materialistic and mundane world that Strickland rejects in favor of his artistic pursuits.
The use of color is also significant in the novel. The color white is associated with purity and innocence, while the color black represents darkness and evil. Strickland’s paintings often feature these contrasting colors, reflecting the inner turmoil and conflict within the character.
Charles Strickland’s Journey
Charles Strickland, the protagonist of “The Moon and Sixpence,” is a middle-aged English stockbroker who suddenly abandons his wife and children to pursue his desire to become an artist. He leaves his comfortable life behind and moves to Paris to devote himself to painting. Strickland’s journey is a fascinating one, filled with passion, obsession, and self-discovery.
At first, Strickland struggles to find his artistic voice. He spends long hours in his tiny studio, painting and re-painting the same scene, trying to capture the essence of what he sees. He is consumed by his work, and he neglects his health and his relationships. But as time passes, Strickland’s talent begins to emerge. He creates paintings that are raw and powerful, filled with emotion and intensity.
As Strickland’s artistic reputation grows, he becomes more and more isolated. He rejects the conventions of society and the expectations of his peers. He is consumed by his art, and nothing else matters. He travels to Tahiti to escape the constraints of Western civilization, and there he finds inspiration in the natural world. He creates paintings that are vibrant and alive, filled with color and movement.
But Strickland’s journey is not without its dark moments. He is haunted by a sense of emptiness, a feeling that he has sacrificed everything for his art and gained nothing in return. He is plagued by doubts and fears, and he struggles to find meaning in his life. Yet despite these challenges, Strickland remains committed to his art. He continues to create, to explore, to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Art and Obsession
Art and obsession are two recurring themes in “The Moon and Sixpence” by W. Somerset Maugham. The novel explores the idea that true artists are often consumed by their passion for their craft, to the point where they are willing to abandon everything else in their lives.
Charles Strickland, the protagonist of the novel, is a prime example of this. He abandons his wife and children and gives up a successful career as a stockbroker to pursue his passion for painting. Despite facing multiple setbacks and rejections, Strickland remains obsessed with his art, even when it means living in poverty and sacrificing his health.
Maugham’s portrayal of Strickland’s obsession with art raises questions about the nature of creativity and the sacrifices that artists must make in order to achieve greatness. Through Strickland’s character, Maugham suggests that true artistic genius requires a level of single-minded devotion that borders on madness.
The theme of art and obsession in “The Moon and Sixpence” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing one’s passions at all costs. While it is admirable to be dedicated to one’s craft, the novel suggests that there are limits to what one should sacrifice in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
Critique of Society
The Moon and Sixpence is a novel that critiques society’s expectations and norms. Maugham portrays Charles Strickland, the protagonist, as a man who abandons his family and successful career to pursue his passion for art. Strickland’s actions are a direct challenge to the societal expectations of a man’s role as a provider and family man.
Maugham also critiques the societal norms of the art world. Strickland’s pursuit of art is not driven by a desire for fame or fortune, but rather by a need to express himself. The novel suggests that society’s expectations of artists to create works that are commercially successful and aesthetically pleasing stifle creativity and self-expression.
Moreover, Maugham critiques the societal values of morality and ethics. Strickland’s affair with his friend’s wife and his abandonment of his family are seen as immoral and unethical by society. However, the novel portrays Strickland as a man who is unapologetic about his actions and who lives life on his own terms.
Comparison to Gauguin’s Life
The Moon and Sixpence is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham that is loosely based on the life of French artist Paul Gauguin. The novel’s hero, Charles Strickland, is a London stockbroker who renounces his wife, children, and business in order to paint. In Paris, Strickland woos and wins a friend’s wife away just as Gauguin did in his life.
Gauguin was a French post-Impressionist artist who was known for his bold use of color in paintings. He was born on June 7, 1848, and died on May 8, 1903. Similarly, Charles Strickland, the protagonist of The Moon and Sixpence, was a middle-aged English stockbroker who abandons his wife and children abruptly to pursue his desire to become an artist.
Both Gauguin and Strickland were men who were willing to abandon their families, careers, and everything else to pursue their passion for art. They both went to live in the South Pacific, where they found inspiration for their work. Gauguin’s art was heavily influenced by the Polynesian culture, and he created some of his most famous works while living in Tahiti. Similarly, Strickland’s art was influenced by the people and culture of the South Pacific, and he created some of his best work while living in Tahiti.
Interpretations of the Novel
The Moon and Sixpence is a complex novel that can be interpreted in various ways. The central character, Charles Strickland, is a man who abandons his family and career to pursue his passion for art. Some readers view Strickland as a hero who follows his dreams despite societal expectations, while others see him as a selfish and immoral character who causes pain to those around him.
Many critics have also interpreted the novel as an allegory for the artist’s struggle to create meaningful and authentic work. Strickland’s pursuit of art is portrayed as a difficult and painful journey, and his final masterpiece is shown to be the result of years of sacrifice and hard work. This interpretation highlights the novel’s themes of creativity, passion, and the search for meaning in life.
Another interpretation of the novel focuses on the relationship between Strickland and his friend Dirk Stroeve. Some readers see Stroeve as a symbol of the artist’s struggle to balance his artistic ambitions with his responsibilities to others. Stroeve is a struggling artist who is constantly overshadowed by Strickland’s talent, and his loyalty to Strickland ultimately leads to his own downfall.
Influence on Literature and Art
The Moon and Sixpence has had a significant influence on literature and art since its publication in 1919. The novel’s portrayal of the artistic temperament and the sacrifices that artists make in the pursuit of their art has resonated with readers and artists alike.
Maugham’s use of allegory to explore the themes of the novel has also been influential. The character of Charles Strickland, the protagonist of the novel, is loosely based on the life of the French artist Paul Gauguin. The novel explores the tension between the artist’s desire for self-expression and the demands of society.
The novel’s impact on literature can be seen in the works of other writers who have explored similar themes. For example, Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1953, explores the struggle of an artist to achieve greatness in the face of overwhelming odds. Similarly, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, which was published in 1951, explores the themes of alienation and the search for meaning in a world that seems to have lost its way.
In the world of art, The Moon and Sixpence has been influential in the development of modern art. The novel’s exploration of the tension between the artist’s desire for self-expression and the demands of society has been echoed in the works of many modern artists, including Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock. The novel’s portrayal of the artist as a hero who is willing to sacrifice everything in the pursuit of his art has also been influential in the development of the romantic view of the artist that is still prevalent today.
Reading ‘The Moon and Sixpence’ Today
The Moon and Sixpence is a classic novel that has stood the test of time. Although it was published over a century ago, the themes and messages in the book are still relevant today. The novel explores the conflict between artistic passion and societal expectations, a struggle that is still faced by many individuals today.
One of the most striking aspects of The Moon and Sixpence is its portrayal of the artist as a tortured soul. Maugham’s protagonist, Charles Strickland, is a man who abandons his family and career to pursue his artistic ambitions. His story raises questions about the nature of creativity, the role of the artist in society, and the sacrifices that must be made in order to pursue one’s dreams.
The novel also explores the theme of cultural appropriation, which is a hotly debated topic in today’s society. Strickland travels to Tahiti in search of inspiration, but his interactions with the native people are fraught with tension and misunderstanding. The novel raises important questions about the ethics of cultural borrowing and the responsibility of artists to accurately represent the cultures they depict.