Abstract

As a writer, William Somerset Maugham has a wide reputation in the history of literature but also with great controversy. The Moon and Sixpence is the most controversial works. In the past two hundred years, many domestic and foreign scholars have studied it from the theme of chasing the dream, the existentialism in the novel, Maugham's feminism, the artistic charm of the novel, the relationship between the author and the novel, the relationship between the characters prototype and the novel and so on, but the research about the main character is relatively less.

This article focuses on main character-Charles Strickland. It aims to sum up the views of all parties, providing a more detailed and thorough analysis of this figure, and helps readers understand this great and complex “human nature”. It is well known that the protagonist of the novel is a despicable villain, who abandoned his wife and friends. However, most readers acknowledge that they can’t help loving this devil after reading the book, and this sharp contradiction is thought-provoking. Through the study of the protagonist, I hope to help readers understand the reason of hate and love, contempt and reverence.

This thesis is made up of five parts. In the introduction part, the author describes the historical and cultural background of The Moon and Sixpence. In the second part, the author summarizes literal reviews on the book in three main part, the studies on the relationship of Strickland and Gauguin, the symbolism in the novel and the theme. In the third part, the study explains why readers have utterly different view on Strickland with six subordinate aspects. At last, the writer makes a brief conclusion.

Key words: Maugham; Strickland; Dream; Humanity; Salvation

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1  Introduction-1

1.1 Background of the Study-1

1.2 Significance of the Study-2

1.3 Objective of the Study-2

2  Background of the Novel-3

2.1 The Historical Background-3

2.2 The Personal Background-3

2.3 The Literary Background-5

3  Literature Review of the Studies on The Moon and Sixpence-8

3.1 Studies on the Relationship between Paul Gauguin and the Novel-8

3.2 Studies on the Symbolism in the Novel-9

3.3 Studies on the Theme of the Novel-9

4  Analysis of Charles Strickland’s Character-11

4.1The Secular Devil-11

4.2 The Terrible Family Abandoner-11

4.3The Despicable Ingrate-12

4.4The Artistic Genius-13

4.5 The Fearless Dream-chaser-13

4.6 The Remarkable Artist-14

5  Conclusion-16

Bibliography-17

Acknowledgements-18