Abstract：The Moon and Sixpence is one of the masterpieces written by William Somerset Maugham, a well-known British author. Based on the life experience of the French artist Paul Gauguin, it tells a story about Strickland, the protagonist of the book, who has abandoned his family and career to chase his dream—painting. 

In the novel, “the moon” means Strickland’s ideal, and “sixpence” means life in reality. On one hand, Strickland can’t give up the “six pence” in his daily life; as a human, he can’t live without material foundation. However, on the other hand, he purses crazily the “moon” in his heart at the cost of his family, friends and his own health. This reveals the conflicts between pursuit of ideal and the social reality. This paper focuses on the conflicts between Strickland’s ideal and the reality and explores the author’s writing purpose: during the process of chasing one’s dream, a person should balance his ideal and the reality. It is hoped that this thesis can provide a new perspective in understanding this classic novel. 

Key words: The Moon and Sixpence  Strickland  ideal  reality  conflicts

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to William Somerset Maugham-1

1.2 Introduction to The Moon and Sixpence-2

   1.3 Literature Status of The Moon and Sixpence 2

1.4 Structure of the Thesis-3

Chapter Two Conflicts Between Strickland's Ideal and the Reality4

2.1 Conflicts Between Strickland and His Family-4

2.2 Conflicts Between Strickland and The Society-5

   2.3 Conflicts Between Strickland's Id and Ego. 7

Chapter Three The Author's Creation Purpose-9

Chapter Four Conclusion-11

References-12