# XXI explained — The Moon and Sixpence

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

## What happens

The narrator dines with Strickland in Paris, observing his utter indifference to comfort, fame, and the opinions of others. Strickland reveals his single-minded devotion to art, his rejection of the past, and his belief in the 'everlasting present.' The narrator probes Strickland's views on love, fame, and happiness, and Strickland describes his struggles and odd jobs in Paris while continuing to paint in isolation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Artistic Genius and Sacrifice

Strickland lives in poverty, indifferent to comfort, and sacrifices all for his art, painting with difficulty and refusing to show his work.

### The Artist as Outcast

Strickland works in isolation, scorns fame and public opinion, and lives a life wholly of the spirit, alienated from conventional society.

### The Pursuit of Truth and Beauty

Strickland is driven by an inner vision, seeking to paint what he sees with his mind's eye, indifferent to external validation.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

The narrator dines with Strickland, observes his character, and engages in a philosophical conversation about art, fame, and the past.

### Charles Strickland

Strickland discusses his artistic obsession, his indifference to comfort and fame, and his life in Paris doing odd jobs to survive while painting.

## Key lines

> He was aiming at something, I knew not what, and perhaps he hardly knew himself; and I got again more strongly the impression of a man possessed. He did not seem quite sane.

The narrator senses Strickland is driven by an unknown, almost obsessive force, making him appear irrational.

_Highlights Strickland's obsessive artistic drive._

> I don't think of the past. The only thing that matters is the everlasting present.

Strickland dismisses the past and focuses solely on the present moment.

_Reveals Strickland's philosophy of living in the eternal now._

> I don't disapprove of the boa-constrictor; on the contrary, I'm interested in his mental processes.

The narrator compares Strickland to a predatory snake, expressing fascination rather than moral judgment.

_Illustrates the narrator's detached, analytical view of Strickland._

> Life isn't long enough for love and art.

Strickland believes there is no time for both love and art, prioritizing art above all.

_Shows Strickland's rejection of romantic love for his artistic calling._

## Links

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