Abstract: William Somerset Maugham is a controversial writer in the British literary history. Although he can never be considered as one of the most outstanding writers, he gains great popularity around the world and is reckoned as the best storyteller. His novels are works of satirical humor writing that reflects varied ethical phenomena in the society. The Moon and Sixpence was a typical one of this literary creation. This study is an analysis of this novel , conducted from the perspective of the theory of sympathy. It examines how the manners of the narrator and of the main characters change, and find out in the depiction of these changes the author’s idea that one should not make casual judgment in human relations. 

Key words: The Moon and Sixpence；theory of sympathy; contradiction; judgment

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 William Somerset Maugham and The Moon and Sixpence-1

1.2 Theory of Moral Sentiments and Partial Spectator-2

1.3 Theme and Purpose of the Study-4

2. Review of Related Studies- 4

2.1 Studies on the Theme of the Novel-5

2.2 Studies on Symbolism in the Novel-5

2.3 Studies on Existentialism in the Novel-6

3. Analysis on People’s Judgments in Their Social Relations-7

3.1 Charles Strickland in London-..7

3.1.1 People’s Judgments on Charles Strickland.8

3.1.2 Charles Strickland’s Judgments on Other People. .9

3.2 Charles Strickland in Paris.. 10

3.2.1 People’s Judgments on Charles Strickland...10

3.2.2 Charles Strickland’s Judgments on Other People.12

3.3 Charles Strickland in Tahiti..13

3.3.1 People’s Judgment on Charles Strickland.14

3.3.2 Charles Strickland’s Judgments on Other People.14

4. Maugham’s Ideas on Moral Judgment-15

4.1 Calling for Impartial Spectator-15

4.2 Responsibility and Conscience-17

5. Conclusion-18

References-19