The Moon and Sixpence – A Man Who Gave Everything to Art

 

 

1. About the Author

Somerset Maugham, the author of The Moon and Sixpence, was a leading British writer of the early 20th century. Renowned for his delicate style and sharp psychological insight, he authored many works including Of Human Bondage and The Razor's Edge. The Moon and Sixpence was inspired by the life of the painter Paul Gauguin and captures the madness, freedom, and cold detachment of an artist's life.

2. Chronological Plot Summary

Leaving a Settled Life in London

Charles Strickland, a seemingly ordinary banker and family man, suddenly abandons his wife, children, and career to leave for Paris. His only words: “I must paint.” This shocking decision confuses everyone around him. Without hesitation, ignoring reputation and honor, he embarks on a solitary path in pursuit of art.

Poverty and Obsession in Paris

In Paris, Strickland endures brutal poverty, living solely for painting. He obsesses to a level that appears mad to others. He pushes away helping hands and lives in isolation. A kind friend, Dirk Stroeve, offers him shelter, but Strickland ultimately seduces Dirk’s wife, Blanche, leading her to suicide and leaving Dirk devastated.

 

Escape to Tahiti

Strickland later escapes to the South Pacific island of Tahiti and begins a new life. There, he falls in love with a native woman named Ata and fathers a child. Yet he still chooses art over family. For him, emotional connections are secondary to the creative drive. Immersed in Tahitian nature, he pours his soul onto canvas.

Disease, Death, and a Legendary Mural

In his later years, Strickland falls ill, loses his sight, and eventually dies. But his death is eclipsed by the artistic legacy he leaves behind. After his death, his home reveals a wall-sized mural of stunning originality and emotional power. True to his will, it is burned, removing it from the world. Though his work vanishes, his legend remains.

3. Personal Reflection and Interpretation

The title “The Moon and Sixpence” contrasts two worlds: the moon represents dreams and unreachable ideals, while sixpence represents money and stability. Strickland throws away the sixpence and chooses the moon. Though cold and inhumane, his devotion to art is absolute. He sought neither wealth nor fame—only to paint.

This novel explores the conflict between artistic purity and humanity. Like Van Gogh, Strickland’s path is noble yet lonely. The novel ultimately poses a question: What are you living for?

4. Recommended Reading

• The Stranger – Albert Camus: Isolation in an indifferent world
• Of Human Bondage – Somerset Maugham: Aimlessness and the futility of life
• The Sun Also Rises – Ernest Hemingway: Wandering artistic sensibility
• Noa Noa – Paul Gauguin’s journal: The inner voice of a real-life artist