The Moon and Sixpence · Chapter
I explained
The narrator introduces the posthumous fame of Charles Strickland, a painter whose genius was only recognized after his death.
What happens
The narrator introduces the posthumous fame of Charles Strickland, a painter whose genius was only recognized after his death. He discusses the myth-making that surrounds Strickland's life, the conflicting biographies by his son Rev. Robert Strickland and Dr. Weitbrecht-Rotholz, and his own intention to focus on Strickland's character rather than his art.
Themes in this chapter
The Meaning of Greatness
The narrator distinguishes between the transient greatness of politicians and soldiers and the authentic, lasting greatness of Strickland as an artist.
The Artist as Outcast
Strickland is portrayed as a figure who made enemies, lived obscurely, and whose character was outrageous, yet his art is celebrated.
Artistic Genius and Sacrifice
The chapter explores how Strickland's genius was only recognized after his death, and how his personal flaws are accepted as part of his artistic merit.
Characters to notice
- Charles Strickland
The painter whose posthumous reputation is being discussed; his life and character are the subject of myth and conflicting biographies.
- The Narrator
The first-person narrator who reflects on Strickland's fame and introduces his own perspective on the artist's character.
- Rev. Robert Strickland
Strickland's son who wrote a sanitized biography to correct misconceptions, but whose efforts backfired and diminished his father's art sales.
- Mrs. Strickland
Mentioned in a letter from Strickland where he calls her 'an excellent woman' but wishes she were in hell.
Key passages
“The faculty for myth is innate in the human race. It seizes with avidity upon any incidents, surprising or mysterious, in the career of those who have at all distinguished themselves from their fellows, and invents a legend to which it then attaches a fanatical belief.”
Humans naturally create myths around remarkable people, turning their lives into legends.
The narrator comments on the myth-making that surrounds Strickland's life.
“The greatness of Charles Strickland was authentic. It may be that you do not like his art, but at all events you can hardly refuse it the tribute of your interest. He disturbs and arrests.”
Strickland's greatness is genuine; even if you dislike his art, you cannot ignore its power to disturb and captivate.
The narrator asserts the authenticity of Strickland's genius.
“To my mind the most interesting thing in art is the personality of the artist; and if that is singular, I am willing to excuse a thousand faults.”
The artist's unique personality is more fascinating than technical perfection, and it justifies many flaws.
The narrator explains his focus on Strickland's character over his technique.