Of Human Bondage · Chapter
CIII explained
Philip begins work as a floor-walker at Lynn's department store, enduring grueling conditions, poor food, and shared lodgings.
What happens
Philip begins work as a floor-walker at Lynn's department store, enduring grueling conditions, poor food, and shared lodgings. He befriends Harris and Bell, and struggles with the physical pain of standing all day due to his clubfoot.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Mobility
Philip's fall from gentleman to shop assistant highlights the rigid class structure and the humiliation of menial labor.
Suffering and Disillusionment
Philip endures physical pain from his clubfoot and the drudgery of his job, reflecting the novel's exploration of suffering.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Starts work at Lynn's as a floor-walker, suffers from foot pain, and adapts to the harsh conditions of shop life.
- Thorpe Athelny
Lends Philip money and introduces him to the buyer at Lynn's.
- Sampson
The buyer of costumes at Lynn's, a fussy little man who asks Philip about languages and notices his clubfoot.
- Harris
A tall, thin assistant with acne who sits next to Philip at dinner and shows him to his lodgings.
- Bell
A cheerful youth in haberdashery who shares Philip's room, plays pranks, and collects stamps.
Key passages
“Philip was stationed at the top of the stairs in the 'costumes.' His work consisted in directing people to the various departments.”
Philip's job was to stand at the top of the stairs and give customers directions to different departments.
Describes Philip's menial role as a floor-walker.
“The work was monotonous and very tiring. After a few days his feet hurt him so that he could hardly stand: the thick soft carpets made them burn, and at night his socks were painful to remove.”
The repetitive work exhausted Philip, and the soft carpets aggravated his clubfoot, causing severe foot pain.
Highlights the physical toll of the job on Philip.