Abstract: The Moon and Sixpence published in 1919 is known as one of Maugham ’s best works. Distinctly different from those novels written before the war, it marks the beginning of the second stage of Maugham ’s writing career. The novel intensively reflects Maugham ’s interest in Gauguin and his paintings. This article tries to explore and verify the probability that Gauguin’s paintings have inspired Maugham, and points out that in his literary creation The Moon and Sixpence, Maugham was influenced by Gauguin and his painting theme ---escaping civilization and pursing primitivism.

Key words: The Moon and Sixpence, Gauguin, painting theme, primitivism

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Somerset Maugham and The Moon and Sixpence-1

1.2 Literature Review-2

2. Analysis of The Moon and Sixpence-2

2.1 Themes of The Moon and Sixpence-2

2.1.1 The Escape of Civilization-2

2.1.2 The Pursuit of Primitivism-4

2.2 The Root Causes of Themes-5

3. Analysis of Gauguin’s Paintings-6

3.1 Paul Gauguin and His Paintings-6

3.2 Primitivism in Gauguin’s paintings.8

4. The Influences on The Moon and Sixpence8

4.1 Maugham’s Interest in Gauguin and His Paintings-8

4.2 Influences of Gauguin and his paintings-9

5. Conclusion-11

Bibliography.12

Acknowledgements13