Of Human Bondage · Chapter
XXI explained
Philip decides to leave King's School for Germany, resisting the headmaster's persuasion and his aunt's disappointment over his abandonment of the clergy path, ultimately securing his freedom but feeling a mix of depression and uncertainty.
What happens
Philip decides to leave King's School for Germany, resisting the headmaster's persuasion and his aunt's disappointment over his abandonment of the clergy path, ultimately securing his freedom but feeling a mix of depression and uncertainty.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom and Determinism
Philip chooses to leave school and pursue his own path, but feels trapped by his own decision and the constraints of his age.
Suffering and Disillusionment
Philip experiences depression and dissatisfaction after achieving his goal, questioning whether he has done right.
Religion and Doubt
Philip abandons the idea of ordination, causing his aunt's grief and highlighting his loss of religious vocation.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Philip resolves to leave school for Germany, feels conflicted about his decision, and rejects ordination, causing his aunt distress.
- Mrs. Carey
Aunt Louisa is deeply disappointed that Philip has given up the idea of ordination and cries over his decision.
- William Carey
Uncle William resists changing plans for Philip and writes to Mr. Perkins about Philip's wish to leave at Christmas.
- Mr. Perkins
The headmaster tries to persuade Philip to stay for Oxford but ultimately keeps his promise to let him go.
- Rose
Rose is mentioned as a rival in French and English essay, unaware that Philip is leaving.
Key passages
“Philip’s heart beat violently. The battle was won, and he did not know whether he had not rather lost it.”
Philip's heart pounded; he had gotten what he wanted but was unsure if he regretted it.
Philip's ambivalence after securing permission to leave school.
“He wished now that he had not been foolish. He did not want to go, but he knew he could never bring himself to go to the headmaster and tell him he would stay.”
He regretted his decision but was too proud to reverse it.
Philip's internal conflict and stubbornness.
“I’m so disappointed, Philip. I’d set my heart on it. I thought you could be your uncle’s curate, and then when our time came—after all, we can’t last forever, can we?—you might have taken his place.”
Aunt Louisa had hoped Philip would become a clergyman and eventually succeed his uncle.
Aunt Louisa's emotional reaction to Philip's change of plans.