Of Human Bondage · Chapter
LXV explained
Philip begins to recover from his obsession with Mildred, feeling reborn and disgusted by his past humiliation.
What happens
Philip begins to recover from his obsession with Mildred, feeling reborn and disgusted by his past humiliation. He reconnects with Lawson in London, who shares news of their Paris circle: Clutton has isolated himself in Spain, Cronshaw is dying from drink, and Lawson has ended his affair with Ruth Chalice. Cronshaw's gift of a Persian rug, meant as an answer to life's meaning, lingers in Philip's mind.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Disillusionment
Philip reflects on his past love for Mildred as a degrading madness, and Cronshaw's decline illustrates the tragic consequences of a dissolute life.
The Search for Meaning
Philip ponders the meaning of life, symbolized by Cronshaw's Persian rug, which he must interpret for himself.
Art and Authenticity
Lawson's pragmatic view of art and relationships contrasts with Clutton's obsessive struggle and Cronshaw's self-destructive authenticity.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Emerges from his obsession with Mildred, feeling reborn and disgusted by his past degradation. Reflects on life's meaning and reconnects with Lawson.
- Hayward
Visits Philip and helps him recover; accompanies Philip to a private view and impresses Lawson with his elegance.
- Frederick Lawson
Now living in London, shares news of Paris friends, his affair with Ruth Chalice, and Cronshaw's decline. Gives Philip Cronshaw's Persian rug.
- Cronshaw
Reported to be dying from drink and poverty; sent Philip a Persian rug as an enigmatic answer to the meaning of life.
- Clutton
Has isolated himself in Gerona, Spain, after quarreling with friends; his artistic struggle is noted by Philip.
- Ruth Chalice
Mentioned as having left Lawson for a young student; Lawson used her as a model for portraits.
Key passages
“He was like a snake casting its skin and he looked upon the old covering with nausea.”
Philip felt he was shedding his former self, viewing his past with disgust.
Philip's emotional rebirth after his affair with Mildred.
“He said he was too old to turn over any new leaves. He would rather be happy for six months and die at the end of it than linger on for five years.”
Cronshaw chose to enjoy a short, drunken life rather than endure a longer, sober one.
Cronshaw's fatalistic acceptance of his decline.
“He said you'd asked him the meaning of life and that was the answer. But he was very drunk.”
Cronshaw claimed the Persian rug was the answer to Philip's question about life's meaning, though he was intoxicated.
Cronshaw's cryptic gift symbolizes the search for meaning.