Of Human Bondage · Chapter
XLII explained
Philip, Lawson, and Clutton visit the Closerie des Lilas to meet Cronshaw, a drunken poet and critic.
What happens
Philip, Lawson, and Clutton visit the Closerie des Lilas to meet Cronshaw, a drunken poet and critic. Cronshaw dismisses art as a mere luxury compared to primal instincts like love and self-preservation, recites his own poetry, and flirts with a painted woman. Philip, intoxicated by new ideas and alcohol, feels a surge of self-confidence and believes he has genius.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Authenticity
Cronshaw argues that art is a luxury and a refuge from life's tedium, while Philip feels a surge of artistic ambition and self-belief, questioning the value of art versus primal instincts.
Love and Obsession
Cronshaw contrasts art with love, claiming love is more compelling, and demonstrates this by flirting with a young woman, distracting Philip from poetry.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Philip is excited by new artistic ideas and feels self-confident, believing he has genius after drinking and listening to Cronshaw.
- Cronshaw
Cronshaw holds court at the café, drinking whiskey, reciting poetry, and delivering cynical views on art and love.
- Frederick Lawson
Lawson introduces Philip to Cronshaw and the artistic milieu of the Quarter, showing impatience with Cronshaw's slow start.
- Clutton
Clutton observes the scene with amusement and asks Cronshaw about Mallarmé, revealing his skepticism of Cronshaw's affectations.
Key passages
“What is art beside love? I respect and applaud your indifference to fine poetry when you can contemplate the meretricious charms of this young person.”
Cronshaw tells Philip that love is more important than art, praising his distraction by a painted woman over listening to poetry.
Cronshaw's cynical view of art as inferior to love is illustrated when Philip's attention is drawn to a woman.
“I know I shall be a great artist. I feel it in me.”
Philip, drunk and excited, feels certain he has the talent to become a great artist.
Philip's drunken self-confidence contrasts with Cronshaw's dismissive attitude toward art.