Maugham, W. Somerset: 1874-1965

The Moon and Sixpence, 1919 - Information about the Book

General Information | Facts | Commentary | Reviews | Explanations

General Information
- The story is, in part, based on the life of the painter Paul Gauguin. The novel's hero, Charles Strickland, is a London stockbroker who renounces his wife, children, and business in order to paint.
- Information from Wikipedia
- Information from Britannica
- W. Somerset Maugham’s inspiration for writing “The Moon and Sixpence.”
  
  Maugham’s inspiration stemmed from his personal experiences. During a year spent in Paris in 1904, he met individuals who had known Gauguin and learned about his life and work. This planted the seed for the novel, which remained in Maugham’s mind until a visit to Tahiti in 1914, where he encountered people who had firsthand knowledge of Gauguin
  Additionally, Maugham used the story as a vehicle to explore themes such as the sacrifices demanded by artistic genius, the conflict between societal expectations and personal ambition, and the transformative power of art.
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Facts
- The title comes from a reviewer's description of the protagonist in "Of Human Bondage" as being so absorbed in reaching for the moon that he doesn't notice the sixpence at his feet.
  But why a sixpence?
  In Great Britain, the bride traditionally wore ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe.’ The father of the bride would slip a sixpence into his daughter’s shoe before she walked down the aisle. The sixpence stood for good luck, and to show that the father wished his daughter prosperity in her marriage.
  Information from The Royal Mint.
- Glossary
- Topics
  
  The Pursuit of Art
  A central theme is the singular pursuit of art and the sacrifices an artist must make, even abandoning family and societal expectations. Strickland's uncompromising commitment to his artistic vision is portrayed as both admirable and selfish.
  Conformity vs Freedom
  The novel explores the conflict between living a conventional, respectable life versus embracing personal freedom and following one's passion, even if it defies social norms.
  
  Morality and Art
  Maugham raises questions about the relationship between morality and art, suggesting that great art may require transcending conventional morality and bourgeois values.
  
  The novel was inspired by Gauguin's life and his decision to leave his family in France to live and paint in Tahiti. It is considered one of Maugham's finest works and a thought-provoking exploration of the singular devotion required for artistic genius.
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- General Perception
  
  Many critics have praised the novel for its compelling narrative and complex character development. Maugham’s straightforward and clear prose has often been highlighted as a strong point, making the novel accessible while still exploring profound themes.
  "The Moon and Sixpence" has been popular among readers since its publication. Its intriguing plot has captured the imaginations of many.
  
  Over a century after its publication, "The Moon and Sixpence" remains a significant work in Maugham's oeuvre and in English literature. The novel is often included in discussions of literary works that delve into the lives of artists and the nature of creativity.
  
  Overall, "The Moon and Sixpence" is widely regarded as a compelling exploration of artistic obsession and the sacrifices that come with it. Its literary merits and thought-provoking themes have ensured its place as a classic in English literature.
  
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- Reader Rating:
Commentary
- W. Somerset Maugham’s "The Moon and Sixpence" is a compelling exploration of artistic genius, individualism, and the sacrifices demanded by the pursuit of authenticity. Inspired by the life of painter Paul Gauguin, the novel follows Charles Strickland, a stockbroker who abandons his family and societal expectations to pursue his passion for painting. Strickland’s journey, marked by cruelty and indifference to others, underscores the tension between societal norms and personal ambition. His character embodies the archetype of the artist as a solitary figure, consumed by an uncompromising vision of beauty and truth.
  The title itself symbolizes this dichotomy: the “moon” represents unattainable ideals, while “sixpence” signifies mundane reality. Strickland’s rejection of conventional morality and his relentless pursuit of art highlight the conflict between societal obligations and individual freedom. His final years in Tahiti, where he creates his masterpiece before succumbing to leprosy, reflect both his triumph as an artist and his alienation from humanity.
  
  Through its first-person narration, the novel critiques Edwardian values while delving into themes of escapism, morality, and the cost of genius. It remains a poignant meditation on human nature and the price of artistic greatness.
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Reviews
- Review. "What’s refreshing about The Moon and Sixpence is that Maugham himself never succumbs to the obvious temptation, to seek to explain Strickland’s actions in abandoning his family and career."
Explanations
- Notes: theme, meaning, and character analysis : "Strickland's greatest masterpiece, which he painted on the walls of his hut before losing his sight to leprosy, was burned by his wife after his death, per his final requests."
- Strickland on "Tradition and the Individual Talent": "In the tension between external and internal forces, the artist must choose to which purpose of art he will ultimately submit his individual talent." Student paper, Vanderbilt University
- Drawing down the Moon: ""The Moon and Sixpence" fails through its literary accomplishment and its lack of true creative inspiration." The Guardian; August 13, 2002
- Analysis
- There is no one right life in the world: "Strickland gave up what he had only had for half his life, career, family, and a comfortable and stable life, and went to live a life of poverty, poverty, and turmoil." Medium; March 25, 2023
- The problem of human and art: "The main differences between Gauguin and Strickland are that Gauguin was French rather than English, and whilst Maugham describes the character of Strickland as being largely ignorant of his contemporaries in Modern art (as well as largely ignorant of other artists in general), Gauguin himself was well acquainted with and exhibited with the Impressionists in the 1880s." Bukhara State University, Bukhara - European Journal of Research and Reflection in Educational Sciences; 2014