# XLIV explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

Philip immerses himself in Parisian art and literature, exploring the works of Flaubert, Balzac, and the Impressionists. He visits the Louvre with Fanny Price, who guides him through masterpieces but struggles with her own poverty and bitterness. Philip reflects on his past affair with Miss Wilkinson, deciding to cut ties. He adopts the bohemian style of his peers, forsaking his earlier tastes for Ruskin and Burne-Jones.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Authenticity

Philip shifts his artistic allegiance from Ruskin and Burne-Jones to Impressionists, seeking authentic expression in his studies and lifestyle.

### Isolation and Belonging

Philip finds camaraderie among fellow art students but also experiences tension with Fanny Price, highlighting his struggle to fit in.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Deepens his artistic education in Paris, visits the Louvre, and adopts a bohemian lifestyle.

### Miss Price

Acts as a strict guide at the Louvre, shows emotional vulnerability during lunch, and resents Philip's acceptance of others' advice.

### Frederick Lawson

Struggles to find a mistress in Paris, envies Flanagan's success, and chaffs Philip about Fanny Price.

### Clutton

Mentioned as one of the artists whose criticism Philip learns from.

### Mr. Flanagan

Boasts of romantic conquests, dances at Bal Bullier, and plans to return to Seattle after two years.

### Miss Wilkinson

Philip ignores her letters and decides to end their relationship, feeling guilt but moving on.

## Key lines

> Philip became acquainted with Flaubert and Balzac, with Verlaine, Heredia, and Villiers de l’Isle Adam.

Philip explored the works of major French writers like Flaubert and Balzac, as well as poets such as Verlaine.

_Highlights Philip's literary immersion in Paris._

> The desire of all of them was to have a mistress. It was part of the paraphernalia of the art-student in Paris.

Having a mistress was seen as a status symbol among the art students in Paris.

_Reflects the social pressures and aspirations of the bohemian circle._

> He had quite made up his mind that nothing would induce him ever to see her again.

Philip resolved to cut off all contact with Miss Wilkinson permanently.

_Shows Philip's emotional detachment and guilt over the affair._

> He knew now quite positively that there had been no painting of landscape before Monet; and he felt a real thrill when he stood in front of Rembrandt’s Disciples at Emmaus or Velasquez’ Lady with the Flea-Bitten Nose.

Philip became convinced that Monet revolutionized landscape painting, and he felt genuine excitement viewing works by Rembrandt and Velasquez.

_Illustrates Philip's evolving artistic taste and enthusiasm._

## Links

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