# XII explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

Philip's clubfoot becomes an accepted but isolating deformity at school. He develops a sensitive, self-conscious walk and feels a barrier between himself and other boys. After being caught playing the forbidden game Nibs, the headmaster spares Philip from caning because of his disability, but this exemption leads to cruel taunts and physical torment from the boy Singer, who calls him 'cripple' and subjects him to relentless bullying. Philip endures humiliation and feels trapped, with no escape from his misery for two years.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Disillusionment

Philip endures physical and emotional torment from Singer, feeling trapped in a miserable existence with no escape.

### Isolation and Belonging

Philip's deformity creates a barrier between him and other boys, leaving him isolated and unable to join in their games or understand their life.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Becomes increasingly sensitive about his clubfoot, adopts a peculiar walk, and suffers bullying from Singer after being excused from punishment due to his disability.

### Singer

The biggest boy in Philip's dormitory who torments him cruelly after Philip is spared a caning, calling him 'cripple' and tripping him.

### Mr. Watson

The headmaster who forbids the game Nibs, confiscates the nibs, and later spares Philip from caning because he is a 'cripple,' inadvertently triggering further bullying.

## Key lines

> He never ran if he could help it, because he knew it made his limp more conspicuous, and he adopted a peculiar walk.

Philip avoided running to hide his limp and developed an unusual way of walking.

_Shows Philip's growing self-consciousness about his clubfoot._

> I can't hit a cripple.

The headmaster refused to cane Philip because of his disability.

_This exemption from punishment leads to increased bullying from Singer._

> He got off because he's a cripple.

Singer angrily pointed out that Philip was spared because of his clubfoot.

_Highlights the social stigma and resentment Philip faces._

## Links

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