# CXV explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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