# LVI explained — The Moon and Sixpence

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

## What happens

Dr. Coutras is summoned to Strickland's remote Tahitian home, where he finds Strickland dead and discovers the magnificent, terrifying murals that Strickland painted on the walls before his death. Ata reveals that Strickland had been blind for nearly a year.

## Themes in this chapter

### Artistic Genius and Sacrifice

Strickland's final masterpiece, painted while blind and dying, is described as indescribably wonderful and mysterious, a work of genius that cost him everything.

### The Primitive and the Civilized

The paintings evoke a primeval forest and naked people, blending beauty with something horrible and primeval, reflecting the tension between civilization and raw nature.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Coutras

Arrives at Strickland's house after a difficult journey and discovers Strickland's corpse and the extraordinary paintings.

### Ata

Found sobbing on the floor; she had sent for the doctor and later reveals Strickland had been blind for nearly a year.

### Charles Strickland

Found dead on a bed of mats, mutilated and ghastly, having painted a masterpiece on the walls before his death.

## Key lines

> Mon Dieu, this is genius.

Dr. Coutras exclaims that the paintings are the work of a genius.

_Dr. Coutras is overwhelmed by the power and mystery of Strickland's murals._

> But he was blind. Yes; he had been blind for nearly a year.

Dr. Coutras realizes Strickland was blind, and Ata confirms he had been blind for almost a year.

_Reveals the extent of Strickland's physical deterioration and his continued artistic drive._

## Links

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