# LXIII explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

Philip fails his anatomy exam for the second time, but is preoccupied with his obsessive pursuit of Mildred. He employs a strategy of patience and attentiveness, hoping to awaken her affection. Mildred eventually asks him to dinner and reveals she is marrying Miller, leaving Philip numb and exhausted.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Obsession

Philip's relentless, self-sacrificing pursuit of Mildred, despite her indifference, exemplifies obsessive love.

### Suffering and Disillusionment

Philip's emotional turmoil and eventual numbness upon learning of Mildred's engagement highlight his ongoing disillusionment.

### Class and Social Mobility

Mildred's decision to marry Miller for financial security reflects the social pressures and limited options for women of her class.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Fails his anatomy exam, but is consumed by his efforts to win Mildred's love. He suppresses his emotions and adopts a patient, attentive strategy.

### Mildred Rogers

Becomes more confidential with Philip, but ultimately announces her engagement to Miller, showing her pragmatic approach to relationships.

### Dunsford

Studied anatomy with Philip, but is only mentioned briefly in the context of their shared preparation.

### Emil Miller

Mildred's fiancé, who proposed after a long absence; he earns good money and has prospects.

## Key lines

> He knew he was ploughed and did not even trouble to go up to the building next day to see whether his number was up.

Philip knew he had failed the exam and didn't bother to check the results.

_Shows Philip's indifference to his academic failure due to his emotional preoccupation._

> He never attacked her prejudices directly, but sought to combat them by the suggestion that they were suburban.

Philip subtly challenged Mildred's conventional views by implying they were provincial.

_Illustrates Philip's manipulative yet gentle strategy to win Mildred over._

> I suppose it was inevitable. You were bound to accept the highest bidder.

Philip resigns himself to the idea that Mildred would marry the man who offered the most financial security.

_Reveals Philip's bitter understanding of Mildred's materialistic nature._

## Links

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