Of Human Bondage · Chapter
CXVII explained
Philip completes his locum in Dorsetshire and receives an invitation from Athelny to join his family in the Kentish hop-field.
What happens
Philip completes his locum in Dorsetshire and receives an invitation from Athelny to join his family in the Kentish hop-field. During his final week with Doctor South, a child summons the 'new doctor' instead of the old one, leading to a tense exchange about Philip's clubfoot. Doctor South later offers Philip a partnership, but Philip declines, explaining his dream of travel and the East. Doctor South, lonely and disillusioned, sees in Philip the affection he lost from his own daughter.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom and Determinism
Philip chooses to reject a secure partnership in favor of his long-held dream of travel and exploration, asserting his freedom despite the constraints of his past.
Isolation and Belonging
Doctor South's loneliness and his transfer of affection to Philip highlight the theme of isolation, while Philip's connection with the Athelny family offers a sense of belonging.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Completes his locum with Doctor South, receives an invitation from Athelny, and declines a partnership offer to pursue his dream of travel.
- Doctor South
Offers Philip a partnership after a tense exchange about Philip's clubfoot; reveals his loneliness and disillusionment with life.
- Thorpe Athelny
Writes to Philip inviting him to join the family hop-picking in Kent.
Key passages
“Philip had written to Athelny to tell him that he was doing a locum in Dorsetshire and in due course received an answer from him.”
Philip wrote to Athelny about his temporary doctor's position in Dorsetshire and later got a reply.
Establishes Philip's ongoing correspondence with Athelny and his current work situation.
“Why don't you stay here and I'll get rid of that damned fool with his mumps?”
Doctor South offers to fire his current assistant and take Philip on as a partner.
Doctor South's unexpected offer of a partnership reveals his growing fondness for Philip.
“I'm awfully sorry, but I can't. It means giving up everything I've aimed at for years.”
Philip declines the partnership because it would require abandoning his long-held plans.
Philip's refusal underscores his commitment to his dream of travel and exploration.