Of Human Bondage · Chapter
LXVII explained
Philip returns to London to study for the Second Conjoint examination and reconnects with Norah, Lawson, and Hayward.
What happens
Philip returns to London to study for the Second Conjoint examination and reconnects with Norah, Lawson, and Hayward. He engages in philosophical discussions with Macalister about free will, reason, and passion, reflecting on his past infatuation with Mildred. Hayward, now balding and increasingly idle, introduces Philip and Lawson to a tavern in Beak Street known for its excellent rum punch, where they meet regularly.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom and Determinism
Philip debates free will with Macalister, concluding that the illusion of choice is a strong motive but actions are inevitable.
Suffering and Disillusionment
Philip reflects on the degradation of his past passion for Mildred and the dullness of life without intense emotion.
Art and Authenticity
Hayward's aestheticism and Philip's view of reading as a means of self-discovery contrast with the pursuit of genuine experience.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Returns to London to study, reflects on his past passion for Mildred, and engages in philosophical debates about free will and reason.
- Hayward
Now balding and idle, he introduces Philip to the tavern and continues to talk beautifully about literature but avoids real work.
- Frederick Lawson
Spends summer at Poole, shows sketches, and joins Philip and Hayward at the tavern.
- Macalister
A stockbroker and Kantian philosopher who engages Philip in debates about free will and the Categorical Imperative.
- Norah Nesbit
Writes cheerful letters to Philip while he is at Blackstable; he sees her daily after returning to London.
Key passages
“The illusion of free will is so strong in my mind that I can't get away from it, but I believe it is only an illusion. But it is an illusion which is one of the strongest motives of my actions.”
Philip acknowledges that although he feels he has free will, he believes it is an illusion that nonetheless drives his choices.
Reflects Philip's philosophical stance on determinism and the role of illusion in motivation.
“It's no good crying over spilt milk, because all the forces of the universe were bent on spilling it.”
Regret is futile because events are determined by universal forces beyond individual control.
Philip's conclusion from the debate on free will, emphasizing inevitability.
“When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me; I've got out of the book all that's any use to me.”
Philip reads not for the author's sake but for personal insight, finding that certain passages resonate and become part of his identity.
Illustrates Philip's pragmatic and self-focused approach to literature.