Of Human Bondage · Chapter
XCVI explained
Mildred, frustrated by Philip's platonic treatment, attempts to seduce him but is brutally rejected.
What happens
Mildred, frustrated by Philip's platonic treatment, attempts to seduce him but is brutally rejected. She then explodes in a rage, revealing her true contempt for him and destroying his flat.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
Mildred's obsessive pursuit of Philip's affection contrasts with his now-extinguished passion, highlighting the destructive nature of one-sided love.
Suffering and Disillusionment
Philip's disillusionment with Mildred and his past love leads to a painful confrontation, while Mildred suffers humiliation and rage.
Class and Social Mobility
Mildred's concern with being a 'lady' and her contempt for Philip's refinement underscore class tensions and her own social aspirations.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Maintains a platonic relationship with Mildred, rejecting her advances and expressing disgust.
- Mildred Rogers
Grows exasperated by Philip's rejection, attempts seduction, and upon refusal unleashes a furious, abusive tirade.
- Frederick Lawson
Mentioned as the host of the evening Philip attended, where they talked animatedly.
Key passages
“She was the sort of woman who was unable to realise that a man might not have her own obsession with sex; her relations with men had been purely on those lines; and she could not understand that they ever had other interests.”
Mildred could not comprehend that a man might have interests beyond sex, as her own relationships were entirely based on it.
Highlights Mildred's limited worldview and her inability to grasp Philip's changed feelings.
“I suppose it's because I loved you too much. I wore the passion out. The thought of anything of that sort horrifies me.”
Philip explains that his past intense love for Mildred has exhausted his passion, making physical intimacy with her repulsive.
Key moment of Philip's emotional detachment and the finality of his rejection.
“You disgust me.”
Philip tells Mildred she repulses him.
The turning point that triggers Mildred's violent outburst and the destruction of Philip's flat.