# XCIV explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

Philip reflects on his changed feelings for Mildred, now indifferent to her despite his past passion. He receives a letter from Thorpe Athelny inviting him to visit, but he declines, feeling unable to go without Mildred. He contemplates his future plans, including medical qualifications, a trip to Spain, and a desire to travel to the East. Philip undergoes an operation on his clubfoot, performed by Mr. Jacobs, and recovers in a small ward. He and Mildred plan a holiday in Brighton, but Mildred's forgetfulness causes tension. They eventually travel to Brighton, where they seek lodgings at a boardinghouse.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Disillusionment

Philip reflects on the waste of his past suffering for Mildred, now feeling indifferent and disillusioned with love.

### Isolation and Belonging

Philip feels drawn to the Athelny family's goodness and warmth, contrasting with his isolated relationship with Mildred.

### The Search for Meaning

Philip contemplates his future plans, seeking meaning through travel, art, and medical practice.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Reflects on his lost love for Mildred and plans his future in medicine and travel.

### Mildred Rogers

Shows forgetfulness and disinterest in Philip's conversations; sleeps on the beach and is indifferent to planning.

### Thorpe Athelny

Invites Philip to visit his family during their hop-picking holiday in Kent.

### Sally Athelny

Mentioned fondly by Philip as part of the Athelny family, noted for her grave, maternal ways.

### Mrs. Athelny

Described as cheerful and hospitable, part of the Athelny family Philip admires.

### Frederick Lawson

Visits Philip during his recovery in the hospital ward.

## Key lines

> It exasperated him because it showed that she was not listening to anything he said, and yet, if he was silent, she reproached him for sulkiness.

Philip was annoyed that Mildred's mind wandered and she didn't pay attention, but if he stayed quiet, she accused him of being moody.

_Highlights the communication breakdown in Philip and Mildred's relationship._

> He found it strangely tragic that he had loved her so madly and now loved her not at all.

Philip thought it was deeply sad that he had once been passionately in love with her but now felt nothing.

_Reflects Philip's disillusionment and emotional change toward Mildred._

> His heart warmed at the thought of those old beautiful cities, and the tawny plains of Castile.

Philip felt excited imagining the historic cities and golden landscapes of Spain.

_Shows Philip's longing for travel and a more intense life._

## Links

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