The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham. Summary of the book.

by

The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham

The Moon and Sixpence is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham that was first published in 1919. It tells the story of Charles Strickland, a middle-aged English stockbroker who abandons his wife and children to pursue his artistic dreams in Paris. The novel follows Strickland on his journey of self-discovery and his encounters with those he meets along the way. It is a classic exploration of the conflict between art and morality, and a celebration of the power of the individual spirit.

The Plot of The Moon and Sixpence

The novel follows Charles Strickland as he leaves his comfortable life in London and travels to Paris. There, he meets a Bohemian artist named Blanche, who introduces him to the world of art. Strickland is inspired by the freedom and creativity of the art world and decides to abandon his former life and become a painter. He moves to Tahiti, where he meets a young native woman, Ata, and they become lovers. Strickland paints obsessively and immerses himself in his art, but he is still driven by his desire for money and recognition. He eventually returns to London and becomes a famous artist, but he dies alone, without ever achieving the emotional connection he had sought.

The Teachings of The Moon and Sixpence

Individualism – The novel celebrates the power of the individual spirit. Strickland is driven by his desire to create art, and he is willing to sacrifice everything in order to do so. He is an example of how one can find and follow their own path, despite the obstacles and expectations of society.

Art and Morality – Strickland is driven by his passion for art, but he is also driven by his desire for money and recognition. This creates a tension between art and morality, and Strickland is forced to make difficult decisions in order to find a balance between the two. The novel is a commentary on the conflict between art and morality.

The Search for Meaning – The novel explores the notion of searching for meaning and connection in life. Strickland seeks to find emotional and spiritual fulfillment, but he is ultimately unable to do so. The novel is a meditation on the search for meaning in life.

Interesting Facts About The Moon and Sixpence

  • The novel is based on the life of French painter Paul Gauguin. Maugham was inspired by Gauguin’s life and work, and many of the characters and events in the novel are based on the real-life people and events in Gauguin’s life.
  • The novel was adapted into a feature film in 1942. The film starred George Sanders as Charles Strickland and was directed by Albert Lewin. It is considered a classic of the film noir genre.
  • The novel is often considered a commentary on colonialism. Strickland’s journey to Tahiti is a commentary on the effects of colonialism and the destruction of indigenous cultures.
  • The novel has been adapted for the stage. It has been adapted for the stage several times, including a version by Maugham himself. It has also been adapted for radio, television, and opera.

FAQs About The Moon and Sixpence

  • Who wrote The Moon and Sixpence? The Moon and Sixpence was written by W. Somerset Maugham in 1919.
  • What is The Moon and Sixpence about? The Moon and Sixpence is a novel about Charles Strickland, a middle-aged English stockbroker who abandons his wife and children to pursue his artistic dreams in Paris. The novel follows Strickland on his journey of self-discovery and his encounters with those he meets along the way.
  • What is the theme of The Moon and Sixpence? The themes of The Moon and Sixpence include individualism, art and morality, and the search for meaning. It is a classic exploration of the conflict between art and morality, and a celebration of the power of the individual spirit.
  • Has The Moon and Sixpence been adapted for the stage, film, or television? The Moon and Sixpence has been adapted for the stage, film, television, and radio. It was adapted for the screen in 1942, starring George Sanders as Charles Strickland and directed by Albert Lewin.

The Moon and Sixpence is a timeless classic that has inspired generations of readers. It is a celebration of the power of the individual spirit and a commentary on the conflict between art and morality. The novel has been adapted for the stage, film, television, and radio, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and contemplation for readers today.

Related books:

  1. Cakes and Ale – Or, the Skeleton in the Cupboard by W Somerset Maugham. Summary of the book.
  2. Rogue Moon by Algis Budrys. Summary of the book.
  3. Moon dust by Oliver Saari. Summary of the book.
  4. Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham. Summary of the book.
  5. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher (2001). Summary of the book.
  6. The Moon and the Bonfire by Cesare Pavese. Summary of the book.
  7. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (2006). Summary of the book.
  8. Moon over Africa by Pamela Kent. Summary of the book.
  9. The Story of Art by E.H. Gombrich (1950). Summary of the book.
  10. The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit by R. A. Torrey. Summary of the book.
  11. American Gods by Neil Gaiman (2001). Summary of the book.
  12. Three Ghost Stories by Charles Dickens. Summary of the book.
  13. The Children of the Maize: Seven Ancient Mayan Secrets to Spiritual Enlightenment, Peace and Happiness by Arnulfo G. Oxlaj. Summary of the book.
  14. The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for? by Rick Warren. Summary of the book.
  15. The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life by Charles F. Stanley. Summary of the book.
  16. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren (2002). Summary of the book.
  17. The Renaissance: Studies in Art and Poetry by Walter Pater. Summary of the book.
  18. If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit by Brenda Ueland. Summary of the book.
  19. What Is Art? by graf Leo Tolstoy. Summary of the book.
  20. Towards the End of the Morning by Michael Frayn. Summary of the book.
  21. The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault by Charles Perrault. Summary of the book.
  22. The Soldier’s Art by Anthony Powell. Summary of the book.
  23. The King of Torts by John Grisham. Summary of the book.
  24. My Name Is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok. Summary of the book.
  25. A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies. Summary of the book.
  26. The Art Book by Phaidon Press (1997). Summary of the book.
  27. Ways of Seeing by John Berger (1972). Summary of the book.
  28. The School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Summary of the book.
  29. Travels with My Aunt by Graham Greene. Summary of the book.
  30. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (2008). Summary of the book.
  31. Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead (2010). Summary of the book.
  32. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier (1997). Summary of the book.
  33. Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (2006). Summary of the book.
  34. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (1952). Summary of the book.
  35. My New York Diary by Julie Doucet. Summary of the book.
  36. The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens. Summary of the book.
  37. Affinity by Sarah Waters. Summary of the book.
  38. Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov. Summary of the book.
  39. The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett. Summary of the book.
  40. Therese Raquin by Emile Zola. Summary of the book.
  41. The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 1 (of 6) by the Elder Pliny. Summary of the book.
  42. Egyptian decorative art : by W. M. Flinders Petrie. Summary of the book.
  43. Journey with Your Spirit Child by Doniella Boaz. Summary of the book.
  44. The Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith and Weedon Grossmith. Summary of the book.
  45. The Art of War by Sun Tzu (500 BC). Summary of the book.
  46. Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens. Summary of the book.
  47. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig (1974). Summary of the book.
  48. The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama XIV. Summary of the book.
  49. Alms for Oblivion by Simon Raven. Summary of the book.
  50. An Ice-Cream War by William Boyd. Summary of the book.

Leave a Comment