The Moon and Sixpence · Chapter
LI explained
Tiaré Johnson recounts how she arranged Strickland's marriage to Ata, a young native girl, after he had been living a rootless existence in Tahiti.
What happens
Tiaré Johnson recounts how she arranged Strickland's marriage to Ata, a young native girl, after he had been living a rootless existence in Tahiti. She describes their unconventional courtship, the wedding feast she prepared, and the beginning of their life together in the bush.
Themes in this chapter
Convention vs. Individuality
Strickland's unconventional marriage to Ata, arranged without legal ceremony, defies European social norms and reflects his rejection of civilized constraints.
The Primitive and the Civilized
The contrast between Strickland's life in the bush with Ata and the European society he left behind underscores the theme of returning to a simpler, more 'primitive' existence.
Characters to notice
- Tiaré Johnson
Narrates the story of arranging Strickland's marriage to Ata, reflecting on her own marriages and her fondness for Strickland.
- Charles Strickland
Agrees to marry Ata after a trial month, showing a quiet, settled side as he prepares to live in the bush.
- Ata
A young native girl, shy but willing, who marries Strickland and moves with him to her property in Taravao.
- Captain Johnson
Mentioned as Tiaré's first husband, a man who regularly beat her, and whom she mourned deeply.
- George Rainey
Mentioned as Tiaré's second husband, who was gentle but disappointing to her.
Key passages
“I shall beat you, he said, looking at her. 'How else should I know you loved me,' she answered.”
Strickland threatened to beat Ata, and she replied that this would be proof of his love.
This exchange illustrates the cultural and personal dynamics of their relationship, where physical discipline is interpreted as affection.
“I gave them a pea soup and lobster à la portugaise, and a curry, and a coconut salad—you’ve never had one of my coconut salads, have you? I must make you one before you go—and then I made them an ice.”
Tiaré prepared an elaborate wedding feast including pea soup, Portuguese-style lobster, curry, coconut salad, and ice cream.
Tiaré's pride in her cooking and her desire to celebrate the wedding properly reflect her generous and hospitable nature.