# CVII explained — Of Human Bondage

> Chapter companion for Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham.

## What happens

Philip, working at Lynn's, gains the favor of Mr. Sampson, the buyer, who initially treats him as a fellow gentleman but maintains hierarchy. Philip's artistic training from Paris proves useful when he designs a costume for music-hall star Miss Alice Antonia, leading to his promotion from shop-walker to designer. Despite the envy of colleagues and the risk of asking for a raise, Philip hesitates to demand higher wages, fearing unemployment after his past struggles.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Mobility

Philip's rise from shop-walker to designer reflects his precarious social mobility, yet he remains trapped by low wages and fear of unemployment.

### Art and Authenticity

Philip applies his genuine artistic training from Paris to commercial costume design, finding satisfaction despite the lack of credit.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Works as a shop-walker and later designer at Lynn's, using his Paris art training to create costumes.

### Sampson

The buyer who takes a fancy to Philip, is dashing and proud of his music-hall clientele, but jealous of credit.

### Miss Alice Antonia

A serio-comic music-hall performer who demands a striking costume and approves Philip's design.

### Mrs. Hodges

A colleague who suggests Philip try drawing and facilitates his design being shown to Miss Antonia.

### Harris

An assistant with a queer-shaped head who envies Philip's promotion and warns him about asking for a raise.

## Key lines

> Mr. Sampson, the buyer, took a fancy to Philip. Mr. Sampson was very dashing, and the girls in his department said they would not be surprised if he married one of the rich customers.

The buyer, Mr. Sampson, liked Philip and was considered charming enough to potentially wed a wealthy client.

_Establishes Sampson's character and his initial favor toward Philip._

> What I want is something that'll just hit 'em in the jaw and make their front teeth rattle.

Miss Antonia demands a costume that will make a powerful, shocking impression on the audience.

_Highlights the performer's desire for bold, unconventional design._

> Philip's rise from shop-walker to designer of costumes had a great effect on the department. He realised that he was an object of envy.

Philip's promotion to costume designer caused jealousy among his coworkers.

_Shows the social dynamics and envy within the department._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters