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The Moon and Sixpence

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The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham is a fictionalized account of the life of painter Paul Gauguin, depicted through the character of Charles Strickland. The novel follows Strickland's abrupt departure from his comfortable life as a stockbroker in London to pursue his passion for painting in Paris and later in Tahiti. The story explores Strickland's single-minded devotion to his art, his disregard for societal norms and personal relationships, and the impact of his choices on those around him. Maugham's writing style is described as skillful, beautiful, and perceptive, delving into the motivations of the characters and presenting a compelling narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Characters:

Characters are vividly drawn, often exhibiting moral complexities, with Strickland being both compelling and repugnant.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by clarity and wit, combining a practical storytelling approach with rich reflections on character and society.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows a man's drastic change from a conventional life to that of a struggling artist, highlighting his obsession and the societal repercussions.

Setting:

The backdrop of the narrative moves from urban England to the exotic landscapes of Tahiti, illustrating the protagonist's quest for artistic freedom.

Pacing:

While initially engaging, the pacing falters in the latter parts, impacting reader engagement.
I confess that when first I made acquaintance with Charles Strickland I never for a moment discerned that there was in him anything out of the ordinary. Yet now few will be found to deny his greatness...

Notes:

The novel is inspired by the life of artist Paul Gauguin but is not a biography of him.
Charles Strickland, the protagonist, abandons his family to pursue his dream of painting.
The story takes place in London, Paris, and Tahiti.
Maugham uses a first-person narrator to tell Strickland's story, which allows for a more personal and subjective perspective.
Maugham received angry letters from Gauguin admirers after publishing the novel.
The narrator's observations about Strickland and other characters add layers of cynicism and introspection to the novel.
Strickland's character represents the theme of the tortured artist, willing to sacrifice everything for creative freedom.
The book reflects on societal norms and critiques the idea of what it means to be a genius.
Maugham's writing is characterized by straightforward storytelling with little frills, making it highly readable.
The closing reflections in the novel reveal how society views artists differently after their death compared to during their life.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of misogyny, abandonment, and discussions of suicide, reflecting the darker aspects of the protagonist's life and choices.

From The Publisher:

Based on the life of Paul Gauguin, The Moon and Sixpence is W. Somerset Maugham's ode to the powerful forces behind creative genius.

Charles Strickland is a staid banker, a man of wealth and privilege. He is also a man possessed of an unquenchable desire to create art. As Strickland pursues his artistic vision, he leaves London for Paris and Tahiti, and in his quest makes sacrifices that leave the lives of those closest to him in tatters. Through Maugham's sympathetic eye Strickland's tortured and cruel soul becomes a symbol of the blessing and the curse of transcendent artistic genius, and the cost in human lives it sometimes demands.

Ratings (6)

Loved It (2)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)

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1 comment(s)

It Was OK
3 months

Read for Modern British Novel literature class. I remember thinking the main character was selfish and whiny and not having a lot of sympathy for him.

 

About the Author:

W. Somerset Maugham was born in Paris in 1874. He trained as a doctor in London, where he started writing his first novels. In 1926 he bought a house in Cap Ferrat, France, which was to become a meeting place…

 
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