Introduction
"The Moon and Sixpence" is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham, released in 1919. Attracting motivation from the life of the well-known post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin, Maugham tells the story of an unconventional musician named Charles Strickland. The novel checks out themes of wizard, fascination, and also societal values in the early 20th century.
The lead character, Charles Strickland, abandons his bourgeois lifestyle in London, leaving his wife and also youngsters, in order to go after a life dedicated to paint. The narrator, an aspirant writer at the time, at first tries to understand Strickland's choice from the point of view of contemporary morality. As the story progresses, he comes to be extra mesmerized by Strickland's commitment to his imaginative craft as well as the price he is willing to spend for it.
Story Summary
The tale is narrated by a young author that befriends Charles Strickland's wife, Amy, via his relative, Mrs. Strickland. The story begins when Charles abruptly leaves his comfortable, upper-middle-class life without any explanation. The storyteller, curious regarding the factors for Strickland's abrupt departure, starts investigating the story.
He finds that Charles Strickland has actually abandoned his other half, youngsters, and an effective work as a financier to move to Paris as well as end up being a painter. The narrator takes a trip to Paris to challenge Strickland as well as look for responses, just to locate an unrepentant and also completely concentrated guy. Strickland rejects to return house or satisfy societal standards, and also the narrator leaves him to his own devices.
The tale after that moves forward a number of years, and the narrator comes across Strickland once more in Paris. Surprisingly, Strickland's artwork has gained some attention as well as appreciation, despite his ongoing resistance to market his paints or adhere to standard expectations. Numerous personalities are presented, consisting of Dirk Stroeve, a fellow painter and an ardent follower of Strickland's work, and also Rose Waterford, a friend of the storyteller.
The connection between Strickland and Stroeve takes a dramatic turn when Strickland begins an event with Stroeve's other half, Blanche. Because of this, Stroeve's life degrades, as well as he ultimately leaves Paris in despair. Blanche, incapable to find gratification in her relationship with Strickland, dedicates suicide. Strickland, entirely untouched by the catastrophe, remains to dedicate himself to his job. The storyteller, though originally repelled by Strickland's actions, locates himself dynamically attracted in the direction of his dedication to art.
Strickland in Tahiti
Adhering to the events in Paris, Strickland relocates to Tahiti, where he submerses himself in a life of solitude as well as specialized paint. The storyteller, currently a successful author, stumbles upon Strickland's art in London as well as is profoundly influenced by it. Persuaded of Strickland's creative advantage and also interested by his mystique, the narrator journeys to Tahiti to get more information regarding the enigmatic musician.
In Tahiti, the narrator satisfies Strickland's native spouse, Ata, as well as uncovers that Strickland has separated himself even better, living in an unoccupied component of the island. Below, Strickland battles leprosy while continuing to produce his most considerable art work. As the narrator explores the depth of Strickland's fascination with his craft, he acquires brand-new understandings right into the nature of wizard, sacrifice, as well as the human spirit.
Final thought
"The Moon and Sixpence" is a captivating expedition of the creative spirit and also the cost one is willing to pay for true innovative liberty. The tale of Charles Strickland is not one of simple heroism or villainy however an intricate portrait of a guy driven by a pressing need for self-expression, devoid of societal impact.
W. Somerset Maugham examines the paradox of the human problem with Strickland - the double capability for terrific genius as well as extensive cruelty. The unique eventually produces a nuanced research study of the artist archetype, offering an appealing meditation on the place of art and the artist in contemporary culture.
The Moon and Sixpence
The novel follows the life of fictional artist Charles Strickland, exploring his transformation from a stockbroker to a painter and his eventual disappearance.
Author: W. Somerset Maugham
W. Somerset Maugham, born in Paris in 1874. Delve into his novels, plays, and quotes that reveal a cynical and dark view of humanity.
More about W. Somerset Maugham