The Moon and Sixpence · Chapter
LV explained
Dr.
What happens
Dr. Coutras recounts his visit to Strickland's isolated plantation in Tahiti after he contracts leprosy. He describes the desolation, Ata's unwavering devotion, and his diagnosis of Strickland's fatal disease. Strickland, though disfigured, remains focused on his art, painting the walls of his house and giving Dr. Coutras a picture as a token.
Themes in this chapter
The Artist as Outcast
Strickland's leprosy physically manifests his social and artistic isolation, yet he continues to paint obsessively, even on the walls of his decaying house.
Love and Obsession
Ata's devotion to Strickland transcends fear and societal rejection, embodying a superhuman love that mirrors Strickland's own obsessive dedication to his art.
The Primitive and the Civilized
The contrast between the encroaching jungle and Strickland's cultivated plantation, along with the natives' superstitious horror of leprosy, highlights the tension between civilization and raw nature.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Coutras
The narrator recounts Dr. Coutras's story of visiting Strickland, diagnosing him with leprosy, and witnessing Ata's devotion.
- Charles Strickland
Strickland is now a leper, living in isolation with Ata, painting the walls of his house, and refusing to see the doctor initially.
- Ata
Ata remains fiercely loyal to Strickland, caring for him and their surviving child, despite the villagers' fear and hostility.
- Captain Brunot
Present during Dr. Coutras's narration, exchanging courtesies with the doctor before the story begins.
Key passages
“Fear makes them cruel”
Fear drives people to cruelty.
Dr. Coutras reflects on the villagers' brutal treatment of Ata and Strickland due to their fear of leprosy.
“He is my man”
He belongs to me, and I to him.
Ata's simple declaration of loyalty to Strickland, showing her unwavering commitment despite his disease.
“I have had a few aches and pains lately and a little fever, but that's nothing; it will pass off.”
I've been feeling a bit unwell, but it's nothing serious.
Strickland dismisses his symptoms, unaware of the severity of his leprosy.