# XL explained — The Moon and Sixpence

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

## What happens

The narrator encounters Charles Strickland on the street and tries to avoid him, but Strickland insists on walking with him. Despite the narrator's open hostility and disgust, Strickland's indifference and sardonic humor provoke an uneasy, grudging amusement in the narrator, revealing his own moral weakness.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Artist as Outcast

Strickland's social outcast status is highlighted by the narrator's revulsion and his own indifference to others' opinions.

### Convention vs. Individuality

Strickland's disregard for social niceties and the narrator's internal conflict between conventional disgust and individual amusement.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

The narrator encounters Strickland and struggles with his own moral weakness and reluctant amusement.

### Charles Strickland

Strickland insists on walking with the narrator, displaying geniality and indifference to the narrator's hostility.

## Key lines

> I think you're detestable. You're the most loathsome beast that it's ever been my misfortune to meet. Why do you seek the society of someone who hates and despises you?

The narrator calls Strickland detestable and asks why he wants to be with someone who hates him.

_The narrator's open hostility contrasts with Strickland's indifference._

> My dear fellow, what the hell do you suppose I care what you think of me?

Strickland says he does not care at all about the narrator's opinion.

_Strickland's complete disregard for others' judgments._

## Links

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