# LVI explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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