# Chapter XXVII explained — The Moon and Sixpence

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

## What happens

The narrator encounters Dirk Stroeve at the Louvre, who reveals that Strickland has taken over his studio and forced him out, leaving Stroeve disconsolate and confused about the situation with his wife.

## Themes in this chapter

### Convention vs. Individuality

Strickland's disregard for social norms and Stroeve's studio arrangement highlights the clash between conventional behavior and artistic individualism.

### The Artist as Outcast

Strickland's aggressive isolation and rejection of Stroeve's company underscore the artist's role as an outcast even among peers.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Visits the Louvre for a holiday and encounters Stroeve.

### Dirk Stroeve

Found at the Louvre, woebegone and disconsolate after being turned out of his own studio by Strickland.

### Charles Strickland

Painting in Stroeve's studio; he forced Stroeve out and locked the door.

### Blanche Stroeve

Mentioned as having gone out to do the marketing; her reaction to the situation is unknown.

## Key lines

> He looked woebegone and yet ridiculous, like a man who has fallen into the water with all his clothes on, and, being rescued from death, frightened still, feels that he only looks a fool.

Stroeve appeared both sad and absurd, resembling someone who nearly drowned and, though saved, feels foolish and scared.

_The narrator's description emphasizes Stroeve's pathetic and comical appearance._

> He turned me out. I couldn't very well struggle with him. He threw my hat after me, and locked the door.

Strickland forced Stroeve out of his own studio, tossing his hat after him and locking the door.

_Stroeve recounts being physically ejected from his studio by Strickland._

## Links

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