# LXXVI explained — Of Human Bondage

> Chapter companion for Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham.

## What happens

Philip, tormented by his love for Mildred, manipulates her and Griffiths into accepting his money for a weekend trip to Oxford, despite his own anguish. Mildred later returns, offering to go away with Philip instead, but he realizes she is motivated by Griffiths' inability to support her. Philip's self-destructive tendencies lead him to continue funding their affair, and he experiences a mix of jealousy, hatred, and love.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Obsession

Philip's love for Mildred is depicted as a destructive obsession, driving him to fund her affair with Griffiths despite his own agony.

### Suffering and Disillusionment

Philip experiences profound suffering and disillusionment as he realizes the depth of Mildred's manipulation and Griffiths' betrayal, leading to a sense of helplessness.

### Class and Social Mobility

Mildred's financial dependence on Philip and her inability to secure work highlight the limited social mobility for women of her class.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Philip is consumed by his love for Mildred and his jealousy of Griffiths. He manipulates the situation to fund their trip, despite his own suffering, and later struggles with his feelings of betrayal and self-loathing.

### Mildred Rogers

Mildred is torn between her infatuation with Griffiths and her practical need for Philip's financial support. She is manipulative and shameless, using Philip's love to secure money and comfort.

### Griffiths

Griffiths is portrayed as selfish and fickle, avoiding Philip after his betrayal. He is willing to sacrifice his friendship with Philip for his own desires, but ultimately lacks the means to support Mildred.

### Norah Nesbit

Norah is briefly referenced in Philip's thoughts as he compares Mildred's tears to hers, highlighting a pattern of women weeping in his presence.

## Key lines

> He had a fiendish desire to break down their scruples, he wanted to know how abominably they could behave towards him; if he tempted them a little more they would yield, and he took a fierce joy at the thought of their dishonour.

Philip felt a malicious urge to push Griffiths and Mildred into betraying him further, finding a dark pleasure in imagining their shame.

_This reveals Philip's self-destructive tendency to provoke his own suffering._

> He hated her, he despised her, he loved her with all his heart.

Philip's feelings for Mildred are a contradictory mix of hatred, contempt, and deep love.

_This encapsulates the central conflict of Philip's emotional state._

> I'm not lucky with women, thought Philip.

Philip reflects on his pattern of unhappy relationships with women.

_This shows Philip's growing self-awareness of his romantic misfortunes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters