The Moon and Sixpence

The narrative follows Charles Strickland, a character inspired by the artist Paul Gauguin, who abandons his family to pursue a life of painting. In Paris, he disregards the friendship of fellow artist Dirk Stroeve and causes heartbreak by eloping with Stroeve's wife, Blanche. However, Strickland's interest in her is superficial, as he only values her as a model for his art. Once he completes the painting, he leaves her behind, showcasing his selfishness and the destructive nature of his obsession with art.