# CXII explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

After Uncle William's funeral, Josiah Graves reads the will to Philip, who inherits about five hundred pounds in investments, furniture, and cash. Philip sorts through his uncle's papers and discovers a letter from his mother, Helen, asking William to be Philip's godfather and expressing pious hopes for his future. Touched, Philip tears up the letter. He then returns to London to re-enroll at St. Luke's Hospital, arranging to take an exam in midwifery. Back in Blackstable, he settles the estate and visits his old school in Tercanbury, where he reflects on the passage of time, his wasted years, and the futility of life, but tries to console himself with the idea of life as a beautiful pattern.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Disillusionment

Philip reflects bitterly on his wasted years and the futility of life, feeling alienated from the schoolboys and haunted by his past mistakes.

### The Search for Meaning

Philip grapples with the pattern of life, trying to accept both pain and pleasure as part of a beautiful design, and seeks a new beginning by returning to medicine.

### Religion and Doubt

The discovery of his mother's pious letter contrasts with Philip's own lack of faith, and he reflects on the religious expectations she had for him.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Inherits his uncle's estate, sorts through papers, discovers a letter from his mother, returns to medical school, and visits his old school, reflecting on his past.

### Josiah Graves

Arranges the funeral and reads the will to Philip, advising on investments.

### William Carey

Deceased; his will, papers, and a letter from Philip's mother are examined.

### Helen

Philip's mother; a letter from her to William is discovered, expressing religious hopes for Philip's future.

## Key lines

> You see, people must eat, they will drink, and they want amusement. You’re always safe if you put your money in what the public thinks necessities.

Josiah Graves justifies his investment choices by noting that basic human needs and desires ensure steady returns.

_Reflects the practical, somewhat cynical financial advice given to Philip after his uncle's death._

> In the sweat of thy brow shalt thou earn thy daily bread : it was not a curse upon mankind, but the balm which reconciled it to existence.

Philip reinterprets the biblical curse of labor as a comfort that distracts from the pain of living.

_Highlights Philip's evolving philosophy about suffering and purpose._

## Links

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