# XLIX explained — The Moon and Sixpence

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

## What happens

The narrator describes his stay at the Hotel de la Fleur and his conversations with the proprietress, Tiaré Johnson, who shares her memories of Strickland in Tahiti. She recalls his poverty, his inability to keep a job, and his immediate sense of belonging upon arriving on the island. The chapter also delves into Tiaré's own background and generous nature.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Primitive and the Civilized

Strickland's immediate sense of home in Tahiti contrasts with his rejection of European society, suggesting a deep affinity for a more 'primitive' way of life.

### The Artist as Outcast

Strickland's poverty, isolation, and inability to conform to regular employment highlight his role as an outcast, even in the remote setting of Tahiti.

## Character check-ins

### Tiaré Johnson

Proprietress of the Hotel de la Fleur; a generous, hospitable woman who remembers Strickland and often helped him with meals and odd jobs.

### Charles Strickland

Remembered by Tiaré as thin, penniless, and unable to hold a job; he felt an immediate and profound connection to Tahiti.

### The Narrator

The narrator is living at the Hotel de la Fleur and gathering stories about Strickland from Tiaré.

### Captain Johnson

Tiaré's husband, whom she was forced to marry after her father discovered her with a lover.

## Key lines

> Just think, if I had bought them I should be a rich woman now.

Tiaré regrets not buying Strickland's paintings at auction, which later became valuable.

_Reflects the missed opportunity and the posthumous recognition of Strickland's art._

> I knew right away that there was the place I'd been looking for all my life.

Strickland felt an instant recognition and belonging upon seeing Tahiti.

_Highlights Strickland's spiritual connection to the island._

## Links

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