# CXVII explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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