# XX explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

Philip, now in the Sixth Form, has lost all ambition and hates school. He is bored and restless, yearning for freedom. Mr. Perkins confronts him about his poor work and lack of interest, and Philip reveals he no longer intends to go to Oxford or be ordained. Mr. Perkins later tries to persuade him emotionally to reconsider, but Philip resists, thinking of the dreary lives of local clergy and his desire to escape.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Determinism

Philip yearns for freedom from the restrictions of school and the predetermined path of ordination, asserting his will against external pressures.

### Religion and Doubt

Philip rejects the clergy, disillusioned by the hypocrisy and dreariness of religious life he has observed.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Philip is disillusioned with school and the clergy, resisting Mr. Perkins' persuasion to be ordained.

### Mr. Perkins

The headmaster tries to revive Philip's ambition and persuade him to be ordained, using emotional appeal.

### William Carey

Philip's uncle, a vicar, is mentioned as weak and selfish, contributing to Philip's rejection of the clergy.

### Mrs. Carey

Aunt Louisa is mentioned as having encouraged Philip's drawing and as being forgetful about his school report.

## Key lines

> I won’t. I won’t. I won’t.

Philip silently repeats his refusal to be swayed by Mr. Perkins' persuasion.

_This internal mantra shows Philip's determination to resist the path of ordination._

> He yearned for freedom.

Philip desperately wanted to escape the constraints of school life.

_Highlights Philip's growing desire for autonomy and change._

## Links

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