# LXII explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

Philip is consumed by a degrading passion for Mildred, despising himself for loving her while feeling unable to break free. He considers marriage as a means to possess her, but Mildred rejects his proposal, valuing her own comfort over his love.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Obsession

Philip's love for Mildred is depicted as a parasitic torment, driving him to consider marriage despite his contempt for her.

### Suffering and Disillusionment

Philip suffers intensely from his unrequited passion, losing interest in art, literature, and beauty, and feeling trapped in a degrading subjugation.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Tormented by his obsessive love for Mildred, he contemplates marriage despite his rational objections.

### Mildred Rogers

Indifferent to Philip's passion, she rejects his marriage proposal, prioritizing her financial security.

## Key lines

> Love was like a parasite in his heart, nourishing a hateful existence on his life’s blood; it absorbed his existence so intensely that he could take pleasure in nothing else.

Philip's love for Mildred feels like a destructive force that drains his vitality and leaves him unable to enjoy anything else.

_Illustrates the consuming and parasitic nature of Philip's obsession._

> He thought to himself that there could be no greater torture in the world than at the same time to love and to contemn.

Philip believes that loving someone while despising them is the worst possible torment.

_Highlights the central conflict of Philip's emotional state._

> He found himself overthrowing all the sensible arguments which had occurred to him against marriage.

Philip's rational objections to marrying Mildred are gradually abandoned as his obsession overrides his judgment.

_Shows how passion can override reason in Philip's decision-making._

## Links

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