# LIII explained — The Moon and Sixpence

> Chapter companion for The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham.

## What happens

The narrator meets Capitaine Brunot, who shares his memories of visiting Strickland in his remote Tahitian home. Brunot describes the idyllic, Eden-like setting where Strickland lived with Ata and their children, completely detached from civilization. He recounts how Strickland, now fully gone native, expressed contentment with his life and his art, stating he would stay until he died. Brunot also reveals that he was the first to appreciate Strickland's paintings in the islands, having bought them out of compassion before growing to love them. The chapter ends with Brunot agreeing to take the narrator to see Dr. Coutras, who can tell him about Strickland's illness and death.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Primitive and the Civilized

Strickland's life in Tahiti embodies a rejection of European civilization for a primitive, Eden-like existence, highlighting the tension between the two worlds.

### The Artist as Outcast

Strickland lives isolated from society, forgotten by the world, yet finds fulfillment in his art, reinforcing his role as an outcast artist.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Brunot

A middle-aged French sea captain who knew Strickland well, visited him at his home, and was the first to admire his paintings in the islands.

### Tiaré Johnson

Hosts the narrator and Captain Brunot on the verandah, shares stories about Strickland, and suggests visiting Dr. Coutras.

### Charles Strickland

Described as living in a remote paradise with Ata, fully gone native, wearing only a pareo, and completely devoted to his art.

### Ata

Strickland's native wife, caring for their children and providing him with the solitude he needs for his art.

### The Narrator

Continues his investigation into Strickland's life, listening to Captain Brunot's account and agreeing to visit Dr. Coutras.

## Key lines

> I shall stay here till I die.

Strickland declares his intention to remain in Tahiti for the rest of his life.

_Strickland's definitive commitment to his chosen life of isolation and art._

> Mon pauvre ami, it is evident that you do not know what it is to be an artist.

Strickland implies that Captain Brunot cannot understand his lack of boredom or loneliness because he is not an artist.

_Strickland's belief in the unique, consuming nature of the artistic calling._

> I too know what it is to have dreams. I have my visions too. In my way I also am an artist.

Captain Brunot asserts that he also possesses artistic vision and dreams, despite not being a painter.

_Brunot's self-identification as an artist in his own right, challenging Strickland's exclusivity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/liii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters