Of Human Bondage

Introduction

Of Human Bondage is a semi-autobiographical novel by W. Somerset Maugham, first published in 1915. The novel follows the life of Philip Carey, an orphan with a clubfoot who struggles with love, identity, ambition, and personal fulfillment. Through Philip’s journey, Maugham explores themes of human suffering, self-discovery, and the existential search for meaning.

Early Life and Childhood Struggles

Philip Carey is born with a physical deformity—a clubfoot—which sets him apart from other children and shapes much of his emotional and psychological struggles. When his parents die, young Philip is sent to live with his strict and emotionally distant uncle, Reverend William Carey, and his kind but powerless aunt, Louisa. His uncle, a clergyman, provides a cold, disciplined upbringing, while his aunt offers limited affection.

Philip’s school life is difficult due to bullying about his foot, which fosters a sense of inferiority and self-consciousness. He finds solace in books and develops a love for art and literature. His deep sensitivity and introspective nature make him an outsider, contributing to his lifelong struggle with belonging and self-worth.

A Brief Foray into Religion

As a young boy, Philip briefly turns to religion, inspired by his uncle’s sermons and a desire to find meaning in suffering. However, his faith is shaken after many disappointments, including his failure to earn a scholarship to Oxford. This disillusionment sets the stage for Philip’s lifelong skepticism toward traditional beliefs and his quest for deeper personal truths.

Escape to Germany and a Taste of Freedom

Instead of continuing his strict British education, Philip persuades his uncle to let him study in Germany. There, he experiences intellectual freedom for the first time, engaging in philosophical discussions and encountering different worldviews. He becomes acquainted with the works of Nietzsche, Schopenhauer, and other existential thinkers, which influence his rejection of conventional morality and fuel his desire for independence.

An Unsuccessful Career in Finance

Upon returning to England, Philip briefly works in an accounting firm, a profession he chose rather than one he desires. He finds it dull and suffocating, further reinforcing his yearning for a more fulfilling life. Encouraged by his love of art, he leaves this job to pursue painting in Paris despite warnings about the instability of an artistic career.

Life as an Art Student in Paris

Philip moves to Paris, where he studies at an art academy and immerses himself in bohemian life. He befriends fellow aspiring artists and intellectuals and experiences poverty, passion, and creative struggle. However, he soon realizes that his talent is mediocre compared to that of true artistic masters. Facing the harsh reality that he will never be a great painter, he abandons art and returns to England.

Medical Studies and First Encounters with Love

Determined to find a practical career, Philip enrolls in medical school in London. During this time, he falls in love with Mildred, a cold and manipulative waitress. Philip’s relationship with Mildred becomes one of his life's most defining and painful experiences. Despite her indifference and cruelty, he is obsessed with her, experiencing emotional turmoil and self-destruction.

Mildred takes advantage of Philip’s affection, using him for financial support while showing no real interest in him. She eventually leaves him for another man, crushing Philip emotionally and financially. His infatuation with Mildred symbolizes his struggle with human bondage—the emotional and psychological chains that keep people trapped in destructive relationships and desires.

Financial Ruin and Poverty

Philip’s love for Mildred drives him to make reckless financial decisions, and after she leaves, he falls into deep poverty. He is forced to leave medical school temporarily and struggles to find work, experiencing firsthand the desperation of being penniless.

During this time, he lives in squalor and nearly becomes homeless. However, he eventually finds work in a department store, where he meets a kind-hearted girl named Norah Nesbit. Though Norah loves him genuinely, Philip is unable to fully reciprocate her feelings because he is still emotionally entangled with Mildred.

Mildred’s Return and More Heartbreak

Just as Philip begins stabilizing his life, Mildred returns, destitute and abandoned by the man she left him for. Despite knowing better, Philip takes her in and supports her once again. Mildred’s presence ruins his budding relationship with Norah. However, Mildred’s cruelty remains unchanged—she has an affair with Philip’s friend Griffiths, further humiliating him.

This betrayal finally breaks Philip’s infatuation. Although deeply hurt, he gradually realizes that his obsession with Mildred was not love but a form of psychological bondage.

A Second Chance at Medicine and Perspective on Life

Philip eventually returns to medical school and completes his studies. His experiences of suffering, rejection, and poverty have transformed him, making him more mature and self-aware. He begins to understand that true happiness does not lie in chasing grand ideals or obsessions but in appreciating life's simple, ordinary moments.

During his medical training, he befriends a fellow student, Athelny, who has a large and lively family. Athelny introduces Philip to his daughter, Sally, who is kind, practical, and emotionally stable—everything Mildred was not. Although Philip initially hesitates, he grows to appreciate her warmth and reliability.

Finding Meaning and Contentment

At the novel’s climax, Philip receives an unexpected inheritance, allowing him financial freedom. He considers traveling the world but ultimately decides to marry Sally and settle into a peaceful life as a country doctor. In choosing a simple, meaningful existence over grand ambitions, Philip finally breaks free from the illusions and emotional chains that had plagued him for so long.

Themes and Conclusion

Of Human Bondage is a profound exploration of the human condition, touching on themes of:

• The Illusion of Free Will: Philip believes he is making independent choices, yet he is constantly bound by emotions, social expectations, and economic circumstances.
• Love and Obsession: Philip’s toxic relationship with Mildred illustrates how obsession can distort love, causing immense suffering.
• The Search for Meaning: The novel highlights the struggle to find purpose and shows that fulfillment often comes from unexpected, ordinary joys rather than grand dreams.
• Resilience and Growth: Philip’s journey—from a lost, insecure boy to a mature, content man—demonstrates the power of self-discovery through hardship.

Maugham’s masterpiece is a testament to the human struggle for external and internal freedom. By the novel's end, Philip realizes that true contentment does not come from external validation but from embracing life’s simple yet profound moments.

Key Takeaways from Of Human Bondage

1. The Illusion of Free Will

• Philip Carey believes he is making independent choices, but circumstances, emotions, and external influences shape his life.
• The novel explores the idea that true freedom comes not from external circumstances but from how we perceive and accept life.

2. Love vs. Obsession

• Philip’s toxic relationship with Mildred highlights the destructive nature of obsessive love.
• True love should bring fulfillment, not pain, emotionally trapped in unhealthy relationships can hinder personal growth.

3. The Search for Meaning

• Philip seeks purpose through religion, art, education, and relationships, but each pursuit leaves him unfulfilled.
• Ultimately, he realizes that meaning is not found in grand dreams but in small, everyday joys.

4. Resilience Through Hardship

• Philip’s struggles with poverty, rejection, and failure shape his character.
• He learns that suffering is inevitable, but resilience and adaptability can lead to personal growth.

5. The Fallacy of Romanticized Dreams

• Philip initially idealizes artistic life in Paris but later accepts that he lacks the talent to succeed.
• The book emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and recognizing one’s true strengths rather than chasing illusions.

6. Class and Social Constraints

• Philip’s experiences with poverty and privilege expose the rigid social structures of early 20th-century England.
• Economic hardship forces him to compromise, illustrating how society often dictates life choices.

7. Happiness in Simplicity

• Ultimately, Philip chooses a stable life with Sally over adventure and grand ambitions.
• The novel suggests that contentment often comes from appreciating ordinary pleasures rather than chasing unrealistic ideals.

8. Self-Acceptance is Key

• Philip’s clubfoot symbolizes his struggles with self-worth and acceptance.
• By the novel’s conclusion, he learns to embrace his flaws and focus on what truly matters—inner peace and meaningful connections.

Final Thought:

Of Human Bondage teaches that life’s meaning isn’t found in ambition, love, or wealth alone but in embracing the imperfections of existence and finding joy in everyday moments.

Impact and Legacy:? Of Human Bondage

1. A Timeless Coming-of-Age Story

Of Human Bondage remains one of the most profound and introspective coming-of-age novels. Its depiction of Philip Carey’s struggles with love, identity, and purpose resonates with readers across generations. The novel continues to be widely read and studied for its deep psychological insights and realistic portrayal of human nature.

2. Influence on Literature and Modern Storytelling

• The book has influenced many literary works and authors, particularly those that explore self-discovery, existential crises, and personal growth.
• Maugham’s semi-autobiographical narrative style has inspired numerous contemporary writers who blend fiction with personal experiences.
• The novel’s exploration of flawed, complex characters set the stage for more realistic and psychologically driven literature.

3. A Landmark in Psychological Realism

• Maugham’s deep exploration of human emotions, relationships, and personal struggles contributed to the evolution of psychological realism in literature.
• The book’s raw depiction of obsession, insecurity, and self-doubt makes it relevant even in today’s introspective and character-driven storytelling era.

4. A Critical Examination of Love and Obsession

• The novel’s depiction of Philip’s toxic relationship with Mildred continues to serve as a cautionary tale about unreciprocated love and emotional manipulation.
• It remains a key text in discussions about unhealthy attachments and self-destructive behavior in romantic relationships.

5. A Reflection on the Search for Meaning

• The book's existential themes—such as the search for purpose, the disillusionment of youthful dreams, and the acceptance of life’s imperfections—make it relevant for those questioning their life path.
• The book's message remains highly applicable in today’s world, where people often struggle with career choices, personal relationships, and societal expectations.

6. Continued Academic and Popular Interest

• Of Human Bondage is frequently included in university and high school literature curricula, particularly in courses covering 20th-century literature, existentialism, and coming-of-age themes.
• It remains one of Maugham’s most celebrated works and is often discussed alongside classic novels like David Copperfield, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, and Great Expectations.

7. Influence on Film and Adaptations

• The novel has been adapted into multiple films, including the 1934 and 1946 versions. The former starred Bette Davis in a critically acclaimed performance.
• These adaptations have helped introduce the novel to new audiences and reinforce its relevance across generations.

Final Thoughts

Of Human Bondage endures as a masterpiece of self-discovery, emotional turmoil, and the human condition. Its legacy lies in its universal themes of love, ambition, failure, and acceptance—lessons that remain deeply relevant in today’s fast-changing, often disillusioning world. Whether read for personal insight, literary appreciation, or psychological exploration, the novel continues to captivate and inspire readers worldwide.

About the Author

Full Name: William Somerset Maugham

Born: January 25, 1874, Paris, France

Died: December 16, 1965, Nice, France

W. Somerset Maugham was a British writer, playwright, and novelist known for his keen observations of human nature, wit, and masterful storytelling. Born in Paris to British parents, Maugham was orphaned at a young age and sent to England, where he struggled with loneliness and a stammer that would influence his introspective and observant literary style.

Maugham initially trained as a doctor but abandoned medicine to pursue a writing career. His early works, including Liza of Lambeth (1897), gained attention, but Of Human Bondage (1915), a semiautobiographical novel, solidified his reputation as a literary giant. The book remains one of the greatest coming-of-age novels, exploring themes of love, obsession, failure, and self-acceptance.

Throughout his career, Maugham wrote numerous successful novels, including The Moon and Sixpence (1919), The Painted Veil (1925), and The Razor’s Edge (1944). He also became one of the highest-paid playwrights of his time, producing works such as The Circle and The Constant Wife.

Maugham’s writing was influenced by his experiences as a traveler and his work as a British intelligence agent during World War I, which inspired Ashenden: Or the British Agent (1928). He was known for his sharp, unsentimental portrayals of human flaws, which made his works compelling and timeless.

Despite his literary success, critics often overlooked Maugham compared to his modernist contemporaries. However, his storytelling prowess and psychological depth continue to captivate readers, cementing his place as one of the 20th century’s most influential writers.