Exploring Traditional and Non-Traditional Female Characters in 'The Moon and Sixpence'

The novel 'The Moon and Sixpence' by W. Somerset Maugham portrays a variety of female characters, both traditional and non-traditional.

On the traditional side, there is Blanche Stroeve, the wife of an artist who is devoted to her husband despite his infidelities. Blanche is portrayed as delicate and emotional, and her main concern is pleasing her husband. Similarly, Ata, the native woman who becomes the mistress of the main character, Charles Strickland, is also portrayed as submissive and obedient. She is willing to do whatever Charles asks of her and is content with her role as his mistress.

On the non-traditional side, there is the character of Dirk Stroeve, a successful artist who is also a woman. She is portrayed as strong-willed and independent, with a career that is just as important to her as any romantic relationship. There is also the character of Tiare Johnson, a half-Polynesian woman who is a successful dancer and singer. Tiare is confident in her sexuality and is unafraid to pursue relationships on her own terms.

Overall, the female characters in 'The Moon and Sixpence' represent a range of traditional and non-traditional roles. While some are portrayed as submissive and focused solely on pleasing their male partners, others are strong-willed and independent, pursuing their own careers and relationships on their own terms.