# LI explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

Philip, after two months of reflection, decides to seek Foinet's honest opinion about his artistic talent. Foinet visits his studio, reviews his work, and bluntly tells Philip he will never be more than a mediocre painter, advising him to pursue something else. Devastated, Philip then receives a letter from his uncle informing him of Aunt Louisa's death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Authenticity

Philip confronts the harsh truth about his artistic talent, questioning whether his pursuit of art is genuine or a delusion.

### Suffering and Disillusionment

Foinet's verdict crushes Philip's hopes, and the memory of Fanny Price's suffering lingers, highlighting the pain of unfulfilled dreams.

### Class and Social Mobility

Foinet's discourse on money and dignity underscores the class anxieties and economic pressures that shape Philip's choices.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Seeks Foinet's opinion on his art and receives a crushing verdict; learns of Aunt Louisa's death.

### Miss Price

Philip still haunted by her suicide and recalls Foinet's brutal advice to her.

### Ruth Chalice

Philip shows Foinet the two portraits he painted of her.

### Mrs. Carey

Aunt Louisa dies suddenly; Philip receives the news via a letter from his uncle.

### William Carey

Writes to Philip informing him of Aunt Louisa's death and requesting his presence at the funeral.

## Key lines

> Succumbing to an influence they never realised, they were merely dupes of the instinct that possessed them, and life slipped through their fingers unlived.

Artists are often unaware that they are driven by an instinct that makes them sacrifice real life for their work.

_Philip reflects on the cost of artistic obsession._

> Money is like a sixth sense without which you cannot make a complete use of the other five.

Money is essential for fully experiencing life, just as a sixth sense would be.

_Foinet emphasizes the importance of financial security for an artist's dignity._

> It is cruel to discover one’s mediocrity only when it is too late. It does not improve the temper.

Realizing you are mediocre late in life is harsh and embittering.

_Foinet shares his own regret, advising Philip to change paths early._

## Links

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