# LXXIV explained — Of Human Bondage > Chapter companion for Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham. ## What happens Philip introduces Mildred to his friend Griffiths, and the two quickly develop a mutual attraction. Philip, initially pleased that they get along, becomes increasingly jealous and suspicious as he notices their intimacy. He confronts Griffiths, who denies being in love with Mildred, but Philip is left heartbroken and humiliated. ## Themes in this chapter ### Love and Obsession Philip's obsessive love for Mildred leads him to tolerate her flirtation with Griffiths and to endure intense jealousy and self-torment. ### Suffering and Disillusionment Philip experiences acute emotional pain and humiliation as he realizes Mildred's affection for Griffiths, shattering his illusions about their relationship. ## Character check-ins ### Philip Carey Philip arranges for Mildred and Griffiths to meet, initially enjoying their camaraderie but soon becoming consumed by jealousy and suspicion. ### Mildred Rogers Mildred is captivated by Griffiths' charm and good looks, showing him open affection and neglecting Philip. ### Griffiths Griffiths flirts with Mildred, holding her hand in secret, and lies to Philip when confronted about his feelings. ## Key lines > He did not care if Griffiths absorbed Mildred's attention, he would have her to himself during the evening: he had something of the attitude of a loving husband, confident in his wife's affection, who looks on with amusement while she flirts harmlessly with a stranger. Philip was unconcerned by Griffiths' attention to Mildred, believing he would have her to himself later, like a secure husband watching his wife flirt innocently. _Philip's initial confidence contrasts sharply with his later jealousy._ > The pain seized him again violently, it was a real physical pain, and he asked himself, panic-stricken, what he might have asked himself before, whether Mildred and Griffiths were in love with one another. A sharp, physical pain of jealousy struck Philip as he realized, with panic, that Mildred and Griffiths might be in love. _Philip's jealousy manifests as a tangible, physical agony._ > He knew they had not thought of him at all, and he reflected bitterly that he had paid for the dinner and their seats in the music-hall. What a fool they were making of him! Philip realized they had forgotten him entirely and bitterly noted that he had funded their evening, feeling humiliated by their betrayal. _Philip's bitterness highlights his sense of being used and deceived._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxiv - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters