The Moon and Sixpence · Chapter
V explained
The narrator describes his growing friendship with Mrs.
What happens
The narrator describes his growing friendship with Mrs. Strickland during the summer, noting her gift of sympathy and her skill as a housekeeper and mother. He learns about her husband Charles Strickland, a stockbroker and self-proclaimed philistine, and expresses a desire to meet him.
Themes in this chapter
Gender Roles and Marriage
Mrs. Strickland is portrayed as the ideal wife and mother, managing her home with elegance and speaking affectionately of her husband, reinforcing traditional gender roles.
Convention vs. Individuality
Mrs. Strickland's conventional domestic life is contrasted with her husband's philistine nature and the narrator's literary pursuits, hinting at underlying tensions.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Strickland
The narrator frequently visits her flat for luncheons and tea-parties; she is described as having a gift of sympathy, being an excellent housekeeper and mother, and speaking affectionately of her husband.
- The Narrator
The narrator reflects on his youthful enthusiasm and his growing acquaintance with Mrs. Strickland, finding her sympathetic and tactful.
- Miss Waterford
Rose Waterford is mentioned for her blistering tongue and her cynical remark about sympathy, contrasting with Mrs. Strickland's demeanor.
- Charles Strickland
Mentioned as Mrs. Strickland's husband, a stockbroker and philistine, whom the narrator has not yet met.
- Rev. Robert Strickland
The son of Mrs. Strickland, a sixteen-year-old boy at Rugby, described as clean, healthy, and normal with a charming character.
Key passages
“Mrs. Strickland had the gift of sympathy. It is a charming faculty, but one often abused by those who are conscious of its possession: for there is something ghoulish in the avidity with which they will pounce upon the misfortune of their friends so that they may exercise their dexterity.”
Mrs. Strickland was naturally sympathetic, but the narrator notes that such a gift can be misused by those who eagerly exploit others' misfortunes to showcase their own compassion.
The narrator reflects on the dual nature of sympathy, both as a virtue and a potential tool for self-aggrandizement.
“He doesn't pretend to be a genius. He doesn't even make much money on the Stock Exchange. But he's awfully good and kind.”
Mrs. Strickland describes her husband as unassuming, not particularly successful financially, but fundamentally good-natured and kind.
Mrs. Strickland's affectionate yet candid portrayal of her husband reveals her acceptance of his ordinary qualities.