Abstract: The Moon and Sixpence is one of the most important works of William Somerset Maugham. The thesis mainly analyzes existentialism in The Moon and Sixpence focusing on existential elements of the absurd word, alienation and free choice. It aims to reveal the absurd world which the protagonist Strickland lives in and the alienation of the characters. In the end, Strickland finds the existence of his life by free choices. He sticks to the pursuit of his freedom and gets released from bondage. His experience gives people in the modern society some warnings and enlightenment. The perspective of existentialism is also helpful to reanalyze the reason of his running away in this book.

Key words: Existentialism; Absurdity; Alienation; Free Choice

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction-1

1.1-About William Somerset Maugham and The Moon and Sixpence-1

1.2-Literature Review-2

2.Theoretical Frame-3

2.1 A Brief Introduction to Existentialism-3

2.2 Basic Concepts of Sartre's Existentialism-4

2.2.1 Absurd World-5

2.2.2 Alienation-5

2.2.3 Free Choice and Responsibility-6

3. Existentialism in The Moon and Sixpence-6

3.1Strickland and the Absurd World-6

3.1.1 Absurdity in Regulation-7

3.1.2 Absurdity in Materialism-8

3.1.3 Absurdity in Love-10

3.2 The Alienation of Strickland-11

3.2.1 Alienation between "Strickland" and "Himself"-11

3.2.2 Alienation between "Strickland" and "Others"-12

3.3 Strickland’s Freedom of Choice and Responsibility-16

3.3.1 Strickland’s Resolution of Making Choices-16

3.3.2 Strickland’s Responsibility-18

4. Conclusion-18

References-20