The book review
The book review of The Moon and Sixpence
The Moon and Sixpence, written by the British author W.Somerset Maugham, portrays an artist named Charles Strickland who had been a stock broker but suddenly became obsessed with art. To people’s surprise, he abandoned his wife and kids, gave up a stable and rich life and went to Tahiti in the South Pacific Ocean where he wrote his brilliant life with the brush spectrum.
The novel is first person narrative and shown from the viewpoint of Charles Strickland’s friend. The protagonist of the novel is based on the experience of Paul Gauguin, a celebrated French painter. Generations of readers are affected deeply by the theme revealing that spirits are over matter. The moon symbolizes lofty ideals and wonderful realm,while sixpence, a small coin, represents the worldly life and reality.
Two thought-provoking questions are raised in the novel through the legend of Strickland--Is to do what you most want, to live under the condition that please you, in peace with yourself, to make a hash of life; and is it success to be an eminent surgeon with ten thousands a year and a beautiful wife? The writer’s answer is that it depends on what meaning you attach to life, the claim which you acknowledge to society, and the claim of the individual.
In my opinion, apart from expressing the understanding of life, the novel itself also has many complex connotations.On the surface, Maugham describes the fate and encounter of the protagonist, in fact, he represents his thinking about the relationship between art and life--What is the essence of art, how to deal with the relationship between art and experience, whether the traditional means of expression are reliable, and how to explore a new form of modern thinking. The novel also uses the detailed description of many characters and the conjecture of psychological activities, focusing on the description of characters, which is real and vivid. It's amazing how the author has such insight into human nature.
Last but not least, No matter what situation we are in, regardless of age, education level or external environment, we are free to choose what we want to work for most in our life.This freedom is depend on ourselves, nothing to do with anything else. When we have the courage to make a choice, we are already in the freedom of life. Although we are not geniuses like Strickland or our goals and dreams are unrealistic, we can still be free and brave and never fail to live up to our life and never betray our mind.I think this is what the novel really wants to tell and inspire us.
In a word, The Moon and Sixpence is a really fantastic book that gives me lots of inspirations. Though I feel isolate and lonely when reading the book, I have a clearer understanding of my life and how to lead a life without regret. let’s try our best to pursue our dreams bravely.
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