# XIX explained — The Moon and Sixpence

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

## What happens

The narrator visits Dirk Stroeve in Paris and meets his wife Blanche. Stroeve enthusiastically praises Charles Strickland as a genius despite Strickland's rude treatment of him, including borrowing money without comment on Stroeve's art. The narrator learns Strickland has grown a red beard and is painting in Paris.

## Themes in this chapter

### Artistic Genius and Sacrifice

Stroeve insists Strickland is a great artist despite his lack of success and rude behavior, echoing the idea that genius is not immediately recognized.

### Convention vs. Individuality

Stroeve's conventional, hackneyed paintings contrast with Strickland's unrecognized but genuine artistry, highlighting the tension between popular taste and true originality.

## Character check-ins

### Dirk Stroeve

Welcomes the narrator warmly, shows his conventional paintings, and defends Strickland's genius despite personal mistreatment.

### Blanche Stroeve

Quietly sewing, she expresses dislike for Strickland and is embarrassed by her husband's effusive praise.

### Charles Strickland

Mentioned as a red-bearded English painter who has genius but no success; he borrowed money from Stroeve without commenting on his art.

### The Narrator

Visits Stroeve, learns of Strickland's current appearance and reputation, and observes the Stroeves' marriage.

## Key lines

> I tell you he has genius. I'm convinced of it. In a hundred years, if you and I are remembered at all, it will be because we knew Charles Strickland.

Stroeve declares that Strickland is a genius and that their only claim to fame will be having known him.

_Stroeve's passionate defense of Strickland's talent despite his lack of commercial success._

> Beauty is something wonderful and strange that the artist fashions out of the chaos of the world in the torment of his soul.

Stroeve explains that true beauty is created by the artist through inner struggle and is not easily recognized.

_Stroeve articulates a romantic view of artistic creation._

> He looked at—at my pictures, and he didn't say anything. I thought he was reserving his judgment till the end. And at last I said: 'There, that's the lot!' He said: 'I came to ask you to lend me twenty francs.'

Strickland ignored Stroeve's art and simply asked for money.

_Illustrates Strickland's blunt and dismissive behavior toward Stroeve._

## Links

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