Of Human Bondage · Chapter
LVI explained
Philip, humiliated by Mildred's indifference, obsessively returns to the teashop to regain her attention.
What happens
Philip, humiliated by Mildred's indifference, obsessively returns to the teashop to regain her attention. He uses his drawing talent to impress her, but she shows more interest in his friend Dunsford, deepening Philip's emotional turmoil.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
Philip's obsessive pursuit of Mildred despite her indifference and his own humiliation.
Suffering and Disillusionment
Philip's internal torment and humiliation as he struggles with his feelings for Mildred.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Obsessively returns to the teashop, uses his drawing to get Mildred's attention, and feels humiliated by her indifference.
- Mildred Rogers
Shows indifference to Philip, talks to a German customer, and expresses interest in Dunsford's appearance.
- Dunsford
Mentioned as Philip's friend with attractive features that Mildred remembers.
Key passages
“He could not get her out of his mind. He laughed angrily at his own foolishness: it was absurd to care what an anaemic little waitress said to him; but he was strangely humiliated.”
Philip couldn't stop thinking about Mildred and mocked himself for caring about a pale waitress, yet he felt deeply humiliated.
Philip's internal conflict and obsession with Mildred.
“He made up his mind not to speak a word, and left the shop without his usual good night. He promised himself that he would not go any more, but the next day at teatime he grew restless.”
Philip resolved to stop visiting the teashop, but by the next afternoon he couldn't resist returning.
Philip's inability to control his compulsion to see Mildred.