# VI explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

Philip settles into the monotonous routine of life at the vicarage in Blackstable. The chapter details the daily schedule, including the strict social and religious divisions of the town, the Careys' interactions with the churchwarden Josiah Graves, and the mundane activities of shopping, meals, lessons, and baths. The narrative emphasizes the rigid, uneventful nature of Philip's new life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Belonging

Philip is isolated in the rigid, uneventful life of the vicarage, where he must adapt to a world of strict routines and social divisions.

### Religion and Doubt

The chapter emphasizes the pervasive influence of religion on daily life, from the Vicar's authority to the social ostracism of dissenters.

### Class and Social Mobility

The social hierarchy is evident in the Careys' interactions with tradesmen, the churchwarden, and the wealthy Mr. Wilson, who married his cook.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Philip accompanies his aunt on shopping trips, does lessons with his uncle and aunt, and navigates the strict routines of the vicarage.

### Mrs. Carey

Mrs. Carey manages the household shopping, avoids dissenting ministers, and mediates between her husband and Josiah Graves.

### William Carey

The Vicar reads the Times, teaches Philip Latin and mathematics poorly, and has a tense relationship with the churchwarden Josiah Graves.

### Josiah Graves

The churchwarden, choirmaster, and banker, who has a power struggle with the Vicar over parish authority.

### Mary Ann

The maid who brings in the paper, resents extra work, and is involved in the dispute over Philip's bath schedule.

## Key lines

> One day was very like another at the vicarage.

Each day at the vicarage was monotonously similar.

_This opening line sets the tone for the chapter's depiction of Philip's new, repetitive life._

> When Mrs. Carey passed the dissenting ministers in the street she stepped over to the other side to avoid meeting them, but if there was not time for this fixed her eyes on the pavement.

Mrs. Carey would cross the street to avoid dissenting ministers, or look down if she couldn't.

_Illustrates the deep religious divisions in Blackstable._

> Mr. Carey constantly told his wife that if Josiah Graves did not take care he would give him a good rap over the knuckles one day; but Mrs. Carey advised him to bear with Josiah Graves: he meant well, and it was not his fault if he was not quite a gentleman.

The Vicar threatened to reprimand Josiah Graves, but his wife urged patience, noting Graves' good intentions despite his lack of gentility.

_Highlights the tension between the Vicar and the churchwarden, and Mrs. Carey's mediating role._

## Links

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