Of Human Bondage · Chapter
LXX explained
Philip, now consumed by his renewed obsession with Mildred, struggles to maintain his relationship with Norah.
What happens
Philip, now consumed by his renewed obsession with Mildred, struggles to maintain his relationship with Norah. He visits Norah but cannot bring himself to tell her the truth, and their interaction is strained. He then helps Mildred move into new lodgings he has found and paid for, performing menial tasks for her with a sense of possessive joy. The chapter contrasts Norah's genuine love and worth with Mildred's coldness and vulgarity, highlighting Philip's irrational preference for misery with Mildred over happiness with Norah.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
Philip's irrational devotion to Mildred, despite her coldness and vulgarity, exemplifies the destructive nature of obsessive love. He prefers misery with her over happiness with Norah.
Suffering and Disillusionment
Philip experiences inner turmoil and guilt as he deceives Norah, while his obsession with Mildred brings him more pain than joy. The chapter highlights his disillusionment with love.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Philip is torn between his love for Mildred and his guilt toward Norah. He feels trapped by his obsession and performs menial tasks for Mildred with a sense of pleasure.
- Mildred Rogers
Mildred returns and accepts Philip's help in setting up new lodgings. She is indifferent to his feelings, planning to visit a friend despite Philip's sacrifice.
- Norah Nesbit
Norah is cheerful and loving with Philip, unaware of his betrayal. She is a successful writer of novelettes, but Philip's coldness begins to alarm her.
Key passages
“He would sooner have ten minutes with her than a whole afternoon with Norah, he prized one kiss of her cold lips more than all Norah could give him.”
Philip values even a brief moment with Mildred over an entire day with Norah, and he cherishes a single kiss from Mildred's cold lips more than everything Norah offers.
This highlights Philip's obsessive preference for Mildred despite her lack of warmth.
“I can't help myself. I've just got her in my bones.”
Philip feels he has no control over his love for Mildred; she is deeply ingrained in him.
This illustrates the theme of love and obsession, showing Philip's helplessness.