Only few contemporary authors have been praised as highly and condemned as completely as W. Somerset Maugham. The present essay discusses Maugham’s novel ‘The Moon and Sixpence.’ My concerns lay on key questions that I try to explore. First and foremost, what do we learn about the presentation of the early twentieth century artist from Maugham? Are, in fact, artistic techniques used in the literary portrait (depictions) of the artist? What do we learn about modern art from the text? Why is Maugham writing about an artist? How can literature depict artist and artistic processes? Now I propose to attempt at least to suggest the reasons for, if not to reconcile, opinions as widely different as the ones presented further in the essay and, at the same time, to offer a less impetuous and more carefully substantiated criticism of Maugham’s fictional work, ‘The Moon and Sixpence.’
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Strickland's Early Life and Transformation
- Chapter 3: Strickland in Paris and Tahiti
- Chapter 4: Strickland's Art and Aestheticism
- Chapter 5: Maugham's Narrative Technique and Influences
- Chapter 6: Gauguin's Legacy in Maugham's Work
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay analyzes W. Somerset Maugham's novel "The Moon and Sixpence," exploring its portrayal of the early 20th-century artist, its depiction of artistic techniques, and its commentary on modern art. The essay also examines Maugham's narrative choices and their relationship to modernist literary trends.
- The portrayal of the artist in early 20th-century literature.
- The depiction of artistic techniques and the creative process in literature.
- Maugham's perspective on modern art and its interpretation.
- The use of first-person narrative and its impact on the story's interpretation.
- The relationship between art, morality, and aestheticism.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter introduces W. Somerset Maugham and his novel "The Moon and Sixpence," highlighting the author's critical acclaim and controversy. It establishes the central questions the essay aims to address, focusing on the novel's presentation of the early twentieth-century artist, its use of artistic techniques in the portrayal of the artist, its insights into modern art, Maugham's motivations for writing about an artist, and the challenges of depicting artistic processes in literature. The introduction sets the stage for a detailed analysis of Maugham's work.
Chapter 2: Strickland's Early Life and Transformation: This chapter details the early life of Charles Strickland, the fictional representation of Paul Gauguin in Maugham's novel. It traces Strickland's transformation from an ordinary, seemingly unremarkable stockbroker to an artist who abandons his family and conventional life to pursue his passion for painting. Maugham's masterful use of language is highlighted, showcasing his ability to portray Strickland's initial ordinariness before the dramatic shift in his life. The chapter emphasizes the powerful pull of art overriding social expectations and conventional life.
Chapter 3: Strickland in Paris and Tahiti: This chapter follows Strickland's journey to Paris and subsequently to Tahiti. His experiences in these locations are analyzed, focusing on his artistic development, relationships, and interactions with other characters. The chapter discusses Strickland's emotional detachment and his complex relationships, highlighting his passionate pursuits and the impact he has on those around him, including the suicide of Dirk Stroeve's wife. The contrast between Strickland's emotional indifference and his intense artistic drive is a key focus.
Chapter 4: Strickland's Art and Aestheticism: This chapter delves into the analysis of Strickland's artwork and explores Maugham's engagement with aestheticism. The chapter offers detailed descriptions of Strickland’s paintings, emphasizing the author’s use of vivid language to convey the complexities and emotional impact of the art. This section explores Maugham's nuanced stance on the separation of morality from artistic value, contrasting it with the beliefs of other late 19th and early 20th-century artists associated with the aestheticism movement.
Chapter 5: Maugham's Narrative Technique and Influences: This chapter examines Maugham's narrative technique in "The Moon and Sixpence," focusing on the first-person perspective and its impact on the reader's understanding of Strickland. The chapter draws parallels between Maugham's approach and that of authors like Joseph Conrad, noting similarities in narrative structure and the presentation of mysterious characters. It also considers the use of irony and the author's skeptical approach to visionary figures.
Chapter 6: Gauguin's Legacy in Maugham's Work: This chapter focuses on the portrayal of Gauguin in Maugham's novel and the lasting impact of the book on Gauguin's legacy. The chapter examines the two descriptions of Strickland's paintings—one on the walls of his Tahitian hut and another fruit piece—highlighting the author's intent to present the complexities of modern art and the need to respect the work even if it is difficult to understand. The discussion emphasizes Maugham’s admiration for Strickland’s dedication to his art despite the difficulties he faces.
Keywords
W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, Paul Gauguin, Modernism, Aestheticism, Art, Artist, Narrative Technique, First-Person Narrative, Modern Art, Creative Process, Morality.
Frequently Asked Questions: W. Somerset Maugham's *The Moon and Sixpence*
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of W. Somerset Maugham's novel, *The Moon and Sixpence*. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords, designed for academic analysis of the themes within the novel.
What topics are covered in the analysis of *The Moon and Sixpence*?
The analysis explores the portrayal of the early 20th-century artist, artistic techniques, commentary on modern art, Maugham's narrative choices, and their relationship to modernist literary trends. Specific themes include the depiction of the artist, artistic processes, Maugham's perspective on modern art, the impact of narrative voice, and the interplay between art, morality, and aestheticism.
What are the main chapters and their respective focuses?
The document outlines six chapters. Chapter 1 introduces Maugham and the novel. Chapter 2 details Strickland's transformation. Chapter 3 follows Strickland's journey to Paris and Tahiti. Chapter 4 analyzes Strickland's art and aestheticism. Chapter 5 examines Maugham's narrative techniques and influences. Finally, Chapter 6 focuses on Gauguin's legacy in Maugham's work.
What are the key themes explored in each chapter?
Chapter 1 sets the stage. Chapter 2 examines the protagonist's dramatic life change. Chapter 3 explores Strickland's artistic development and relationships in new environments. Chapter 4 delves into the artistic merit of Strickland's work and its relation to aestheticism. Chapter 5 analyzes Maugham's writing style and influences. Chapter 6 discusses the impact of the novel on Gauguin's legacy and Maugham's portrayal of modern art.
What is the significance of Maugham's narrative technique?
The analysis highlights Maugham's use of first-person narration and its influence on the reader's interpretation of Strickland and the events. Comparisons are drawn to other authors, such as Joseph Conrad, noting similarities in narrative structure and the presentation of complex characters. The use of irony and the author's skeptical perspective are also discussed.
How does the novel portray Paul Gauguin?
The novel uses Charles Strickland as a fictional representation of Paul Gauguin. The analysis explores the portrayal of Gauguin through Strickland, examining how Maugham depicts his artistic dedication, emotional detachment, and impact on those around him. The analysis also highlights Maugham’s nuanced presentation of Gauguin’s art and his lasting legacy.
What are the key words associated with the analysis?
Key words include W. Somerset Maugham, *The Moon and Sixpence*, Paul Gauguin, Modernism, Aestheticism, Art, Artist, Narrative Technique, First-Person Narrative, Modern Art, Creative Process, and Morality.
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- MA Marcio Hemerique Pereira (Autor:in), 2011, The Modern Eye: Literature and the Art Aesthetics - "The Moon and Sixpence", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/204917
