Of Human Bondage · Chapter
LXVIII explained
Philip falls ill with influenza and is nursed back to health by Griffiths, a fellow medical student.
What happens
Philip falls ill with influenza and is nursed back to health by Griffiths, a fellow medical student. During his convalescence, Philip becomes deeply attached to Griffiths, admiring his charm, vitality, and kindness. Griffiths's presence and care evoke in Philip a worshipful admiration reminiscent of his schoolboy crushes. The chapter also touches on Philip's financial worries and his desire to make money through stock tips to buy Norah a fur coat.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
Philip's intense admiration for Griffiths mirrors his earlier schoolboy crushes, highlighting his pattern of idealizing and worshipping others.
Isolation and Belonging
Philip's illness and Griffiths's care create a bond of intimacy and belonging, contrasting with Philip's usual loneliness.
Class and Social Mobility
Philip's financial worries and desire to make money through stock tips reflect his precarious social position and aspirations.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Falls ill with influenza and is cared for by Griffiths; develops a deep admiration for Griffiths.
- Griffiths
Nurses Philip through influenza with tenderness and charm; described as a flirtatious, generous, and vital young man.
- Norah Nesbit
Mentioned as someone Philip wishes to buy furs for; helps nurse Philip alongside Griffiths.
- Hayward
Mentioned as finding Griffiths stupid.
- Frederick Lawson
Recognizes Griffiths's charm and is eager to paint him.
- Macalister
A stockbroker who gives Griffiths stock tips; Philip hopes to make money through him.
Key passages
“Philip worshipped him as at school he had worshipped boys who were tall and straight and high of spirits.”
Philip admired Griffiths with the same intense devotion he had felt for athletic, confident boys during his school days.
Highlights Philip's pattern of idealizing charismatic individuals.
“He would cure people by the sheer charm of his manner.”
Griffiths's natural charisma would make him a successful doctor, healing patients through his personality alone.
Emphasizes Griffiths's magnetic charm and Philip's perception of him.