The Moon and Sixpence · Chapter
XLVII explained
Captain Nichols recounts his time with Strickland in Marseilles, where they lived in extreme poverty, staying at the Asile de Nuit and later with Tough Bill.
What happens
Captain Nichols recounts his time with Strickland in Marseilles, where they lived in extreme poverty, staying at the Asile de Nuit and later with Tough Bill. They struggled to find work and food, and eventually got into a violent brawl with Tough Bill, forcing them to flee the city.
Themes in this chapter
The Primitive and the Civilized
The chapter contrasts the brutal, primitive life of Marseilles' low quarters with the civilized comfort the narrator knows, highlighting Strickland's immersion in a raw, savage existence.
The Artist as Outcast
Strickland lives as a vagabond and outcast, painting a portrait for Tough Bill in exchange for supplies, illustrating his rejection of conventional society.
Characters to notice
- Charles Strickland
Strickland is living in destitution in Marseilles, relying on shelters and Tough Bill's boardinghouse. He paints a portrait of Tough Bill and later gets into a violent fight with him.
- Captain Nichols
Captain Nichols becomes Strickland's companion in Marseilles, sharing his struggles with hunger and homelessness. He narrates their experiences to the author.
- Tough Bill
Tough Bill runs a sailors' boardinghouse in Marseilles. He provides shelter but later throws Strickland and Nichols out after a dispute. He fights Strickland and is knocked unconscious.
- The Narrator
The narrator listens to Captain Nichols' account of Strickland's time in Marseilles and attempts to piece together the story.
Key passages
“I guess you’d better get out of Marseilles before Tough Bill comes out of hospital”
Captain Nichols advises Strickland to leave Marseilles to avoid retaliation from Tough Bill.
This marks the end of their time in Marseilles and leads to Strickland's eventual departure for Tahiti.
“This beats cockfighting”
Strickland comments on the violent brawl, showing his sardonic amusement.
Reflects Strickland's detached and ironic attitude toward the brutal events.