The Moon and Sixpence · Chapter
XXIX explained
The narrator listens to Dirk Stroeve's anguished account of discovering his wife Blanche's affair with Strickland.
What happens
The narrator listens to Dirk Stroeve's anguished account of discovering his wife Blanche's affair with Strickland. Stroeve reveals he knew for a fortnight but tried to ignore it, hoping it would pass. He attempted to ask Strickland to leave, but Strickland agreed immediately and Blanche decided to go with him. Stroeve is tormented by regret and still loves Blanche, vowing to take her back if she ever needs him. The narrator, though disapproving of Stroeve's weakness, offers him shelter for the night.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
Stroeve's unconditional love for Blanche borders on obsession, as he is willing to forgive her betrayal and take her back despite his own suffering.
Convention vs. Individuality
Stroeve's conventional expectation of marital fidelity clashes with Strickland's and Blanche's individualistic pursuit of passion, leading to social and emotional turmoil.
Characters to notice
- Dirk Stroeve
Reveals his deep anguish over Blanche's affair with Strickland, admits he knew for a fortnight, and expresses unconditional love and willingness to take her back.
- The Narrator
Listens to Stroeve's confession, feels disapproval of his weakness, but ultimately offers him a place to stay for the night.
- Blanche Stroeve
Referenced as having left Stroeve for Strickland; Stroeve recalls her shuddering at his touch and her decision to go with Strickland.
- Charles Strickland
Referenced as the man Blanche has fallen in love with; Stroeve describes his lack of concern and his immediate agreement to leave the studio.
Key passages
“I couldn’t let her live in those circumstances—I simply couldn’t.”
Stroeve explains he couldn't bear the thought of Blanche living in poverty with Strickland.
Stroeve's justification for his inaction despite the affair.
“I love her so much better than myself. It seems to me that when vanity comes into love it can only be because really you love yourself best.”
Stroeve claims his love is selfless, contrasting it with love driven by vanity.
Stroeve's philosophy on love and selflessness.
“I wanted to kill him, and I only made a fool of myself.”
Stroeve admits his rage at Strickland led only to humiliation.
Stroeve's regret over his confrontation with Strickland.