The Moon and Sixpence · Chapter
XXXI explained
Dirk Stroeve, despite the narrator's advice, remains in Paris after Blanche leaves him for Strickland.
What happens
Dirk Stroeve, despite the narrator's advice, remains in Paris after Blanche leaves him for Strickland. He attempts to win her back, but she slaps him in the street and ignores him thereafter. The narrator observes Stroeve's undignified behavior and suggests he return to his childhood home in Holland, but Stroeve refuses, fearing something terrible may happen to Blanche. The chapter reflects on the cruel mismatch between Stroeve's noble soul and his ridiculous exterior.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
Stroeve's desperate, undignified pursuit of Blanche illustrates the painful, one-sided nature of his love.
Convention vs. Individuality
Stroeve's conventional behavior and appearance clash with his inner romantic passion, highlighting the conflict between societal norms and personal feeling.
Characters to notice
- Dirk Stroeve
Continues to pursue Blanche despite her rejection, behaving with little dignity; the narrator notes his absurd appearance and generous but blundering nature.
- The Narrator
Observes Stroeve's actions with a mix of pity and exasperation, offering advice that Stroeve ignores.
- Blanche Stroeve
Slaps Stroeve in the street and refuses to acknowledge him, showing cold indifference and possibly cruelty.
Key passages
“There is no cruelty greater than a woman’s to a man who loves her and whom she does not love; she has no kindness then, no tolerance even, she has only an insane irritation.”
A woman can be crueler to a man she does not love than in any other situation, showing no kindness or tolerance, only irrational annoyance.
The narrator reflects on Blanche's harsh treatment of Stroeve.
“Dirk Stroeve had the passion of Romeo in the body of Sir Toby Belch.”
Stroeve possessed the intense romantic feelings of Romeo but was trapped in the comical, coarse body of Sir Toby Belch.
The narrator contrasts Stroeve's inner nobility with his ridiculous outward appearance.