# VI explained — The Moon and Sixpence

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

## What happens

The narrator finally meets Charles Strickland at a dull dinner party hosted by Mrs. Strickland. He observes Strickland's commonplace appearance and lack of social graces, finding him a heavy, unremarkable man. The party itself is a tedious social obligation, filled with respectable but uninteresting guests.

## Themes in this chapter

### Convention vs. Individuality

Strickland's dull, conventional demeanor at the party contrasts sharply with his later rebellious and individualistic pursuit of art.

### Gender Roles and Marriage

Mrs. Strickland manages the social sphere while her husband remains a passive, unremarkable presence, highlighting traditional marital roles.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Attends the Stricklands' dinner party as a last-minute replacement guest; observes Strickland and the tedious social scene.

### Charles Strickland

Met for the first time; described as broad, heavy, clumsy, and commonplace, with no social gifts.

### Mrs. Strickland

Hosts the dinner party; attempts to make light of her husband's presence and keeps an anxious eye on him.

### Colonel MacAndrew

Present as a guest, Mrs. Strickland's brother-in-law; talks about polo.

## Key lines

> He was bigger than I expected: I do not know why I had imagined him slender and of insignificant appearance; in point of fact he was broad and heavy, with large hands and feet, and he wore his evening clothes clumsily.

Strickland was larger and more awkward than the narrator had imagined, with a clumsy, heavy build.

_First impression of Strickland's physical appearance._

> It was the kind of party which makes you wonder why the hostess has troubled to bid her guests, and why the guests have troubled to come.

The party was so tedious that it raised questions about why anyone bothered to attend or host it.

_Reflection on the emptiness of social obligations._

## Links

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