Of Human Bondage · Chapter
Philip Goes to School explained
Philip is sent to King's School at Tercanbury, a preparatory school attached to the Cathedral.
What happens
Philip is sent to King's School at Tercanbury, a preparatory school attached to the Cathedral. He meets the headmaster, Mr. Watson, and is left in the playground where he is teased by another boy, Venning, about his clubfoot. Philip feels shy and anxious, and his disability becomes a source of humiliation.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Belonging
Philip feels isolated and frightened on his first day at school, struggling to fit in and being teased for his clubfoot.
Suffering and Disillusionment
Philip experiences physical pain from the kick and emotional suffering from the ridicule, beginning his disillusionment with school life.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Philip is nervous and frightened about starting school; he reveals his clubfoot to the headmaster and is later teased by another boy.
- William Carey
Uncle William accompanies Philip to school, speaks with the headmaster, and leaves Philip there.
- Venning
A small boy at the school who teases Philip about his mother and kicks him after Philip refuses to show his clubfoot.
- Mrs. Carey
Aunt Louisa is mentioned as part of the Careys' decision to send Philip to school.
Key passages
“Tell him I've got a clubfoot.”
Philip asks his uncle to inform the headmaster about his clubfoot.
Philip's request shows his anxiety and desire to preempt any awkwardness about his disability.
“What's the matter with your foot?”
Venning asks Philip about his clubfoot.
This question leads to Philip's humiliation and the kick that follows.