# XLVII explained — Of Human Bondage > Chapter companion for Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham. ## What happens Philip becomes aware of the romantic relationship between Ruth Chalice and Lawson, sparking feelings of envy and a longing for passionate love. He struggles with his own contradictory perceptions of desire, finding himself attracted to Ruth in her absence but repelled by her physical flaws when present. The chapter also covers the group's return to Paris, the excitement of the Salon submissions, and Philip's reunion with Hayward, during which he proudly displays his new artistic tastes. ## Themes in this chapter ### Love and Obsession Philip's intense longing for romantic passion and his envy of Lawson and Ruth's relationship highlight his obsession with the idea of love. ### Art and Authenticity The chapter contrasts the earnest but derivative work of Lawson and Philip with Clutton's perfectionism and Philip's evolving, dogmatic artistic tastes. ### Isolation and Belonging Philip feels left out of the intimate bond between Lawson and Ruth, and his reunion with Hayward underscores his shifting sense of intellectual belonging. ## Character check-ins ### Philip Carey Philip is restless and envious upon discovering Lawson and Ruth Chalice's affair; he yearns for a consuming passion but is conflicted by his own critical perceptions. ### Ruth Chalice Ruth Chalice is revealed to be Lawson's lover; Philip sees her differently now, noting her feminine qualities but also her physical imperfections. ### Frederick Lawson Lawson is in a relationship with Ruth Chalice; his paintings are accepted at the Salon, and he co-hosts a party with Philip. ### Hayward Hayward visits Paris and is taken by Philip to see modern art; Philip finds him unchanged and now looks down on his earlier cultural views. ### Cronshaw Cronshaw agrees to attend the party and volunteers to make poires flambées. ### Clutton Clutton scorns Lawson's submitted works and has nothing ready for the Salon himself. ## Key lines > He was in love with love. Philip was enamored with the concept of being in love rather than with any specific person. _Captures Philip's yearning for romantic experience._ > Would he always love only in absence and be prevented from enjoying anything when he had the chance by that deformity of vision which seemed to exaggerate the revolting? Philip wonders if he is doomed to desire only what he cannot have, and to be repelled by flaws when the object of his desire is present. _Reflects Philip's internal conflict between idealization and reality._ > I would give all the old masters except Velasquez, Rembrandt, and Vermeer for that one picture. Philip declares that Manet's Olympia is worth more to him than almost all old master paintings. _Shows Philip's adoption of avant-garde artistic values._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xlvii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters