# Chapter XX explained — The Moon and Sixpence

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

## What happens

The narrator and Dirk Stroeve visit a café where Strickland is playing chess. Strickland is emaciated and ragged, but still defiant. The narrator offers to buy him dinner, and Strickland accepts.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Artist as Outcast

Strickland's ragged appearance and defiant attitude highlight his rejection of societal norms.

### The Pursuit of Truth and Beauty

Strickland's absorption in chess and his indifference to material comfort suggest a single-minded pursuit of his art.

## Character check-ins

### Charles Strickland

Found playing chess at the café, emaciated and ragged, but still defiant.

### The Narrator

Accompanies Stroeve to the café, observes Strickland, and offers to buy him dinner.

### Dirk Stroeve

Brings the narrator to see Strickland, but leaves early, leaving the narrator alone with Strickland.

## Key lines

> I've never seen him in my life.

Strickland claims not to recognize the narrator.

_Despite a gleam of recognition, Strickland denies knowing the narrator._

> I might feel inclined to buy one.

The narrator offers to purchase a painting.

_The narrator tries to engage Strickland by showing interest in his work._

> I don't really care a twopenny damn if you starve or not.

The narrator insists his offer is not out of pity.

_The narrator adopts a blunt tone to match Strickland's indifference._

## Links

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