Of Human Bondage · Chapter
CXV explained
Philip returns to medical school after a long absence, settling into regular work.
What happens
Philip returns to medical school after a long absence, settling into regular work. He reconnects with the Athelny family, giving them gifts from his uncle's estate, including a gold necklace to Sally. Sally, now grown and apprenticed as a dressmaker, is courted by an electrical engineer named Mr. Donaldson. Despite her mother's encouragement, Sally rejects the proposal, showing her independent and enigmatic nature. Philip observes her quiet strength and feels a pang of envy at the prospect of her potential happiness.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Mobility
Sally's potential marriage to an electrical engineer represents a chance for upward mobility, contrasting with her family's financial struggles and her mother's emphasis on security.
Isolation and Belonging
Philip feels a sense of belonging with the Athelny family yet observes Sally's emotional distance and enigmatic nature, highlighting his own isolation.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Returns to medical school after a two-year hiatus, works with energy, and gives gifts to the Athelny family from his uncle's estate.
- Sally Athelny
Now grown and apprenticed as a dressmaker; receives a gold necklace from Philip, rejects a marriage proposal from an electrical engineer, and displays a quiet, enigmatic, and independent demeanor.
- Thorpe Athelny
Boisterously plays the heavy father during Sally's suitor's visit, wearing a tarboosh and discoursing on Byzantine history.
- Mrs. Athelny
Anxious for Sally to accept the proposal due to the family's financial difficulties; shows practical concern for her daughter's future.
Key passages
“The two years during which his mind had lain fallow had refreshed him, he fancied, and he was able now to work with energy.”
Philip felt that his two-year break had revitalized his mind, allowing him to approach his studies with renewed vigor.
Philip's return to medical school after a period of rest.
“Sally had frank blue eyes, a broad brow, and plentiful shining hair; she was buxom, with broad hips and full breasts; and her father, who was fond of discussing her appearance, warned her constantly that she must not grow fat.”
Sally was a healthy, attractive young woman with a robust figure, and her father often teased her about not gaining weight.
Description of Sally's physical appearance and her father's playful concern.
“I thought he was a silly.”
Sally dismissed her suitor as foolish, indicating her lack of interest in the match.
Sally's rejection of the electrical engineer's proposal.