# XLIII explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

Philip experiences the harsh critiques of the master Foinet at the studio, witnesses Fanny Price's humiliation, and later visits the Luxembourg gallery with her, where she introduces him to Impressionist works.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Authenticity

Philip grapples with the contrast between traditional moralistic art and the new Impressionist focus on visual experience, questioning the purpose of art.

### Suffering and Disillusionment

Fanny Price endures brutal criticism from Foinet, revealing the harsh realities of artistic pursuit and her own delusions about her talent.

### Isolation and Belonging

Fanny Price is isolated and despised by her peers, yet clings to her identity as an artist, while Philip feels out of place in the new artistic environment.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Philip is a new student at the studio, absorbing Fanny Price's explanations of Impressionist paintings and feeling ashamed of his own ignorance.

### Miss Price

Fanny Price is a bitter, conceited student who defends her artistic ambitions, maligns others, and guides Philip through the Luxembourg gallery.

### Frederick Lawson

Lawson dismisses Fanny Price as an 'ill-tempered slut' and avoids Foinet's critiques.

### Clutton

Clutton dryly comments on Lawson's avoidance of criticism.

### Mrs. Otter

Mrs. Otter is the massière who accompanies Foinet during critiques and is rumored by Fanny to have scabrous intrigues.

### Ruth Chalice

Ruth Chalice is slandered by Fanny Price as promiscuous and dirty.

## Key lines

> But the railway lines aren't parallel.

Philip objects that the train tracks in Monet's painting are not drawn as parallel lines.

_Philip's literal-mindedness contrasts with the Impressionist emphasis on perception over realism._

> I don't care what they say. I shall go on just the same. I know I've got it in me. I feel I'm an artist. I'd sooner kill myself than give it up.

Fanny Price declares her unwavering commitment to art despite others' opinions, insisting she has innate talent.

_Fanny's defiant self-belief masks her deep insecurity and lack of actual aptitude._

> Take my advice, Mademoiselle, try dressmaking.

Foinet cruelly advises Fanny Price to abandon painting and take up dressmaking instead.

_Foinet's brutal dismissal underscores the theme of artistic disillusionment._

## Links

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