# XXXI explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

Philip leaves Heidelberg after three months, avoiding traveling with Miss Wilkinson due to shyness. Hayward departs for Italy before Christmas, and his letters from Rome inspire Philip with restlessness and a desire for travel. Philip attends lectures on Schopenhauer, finding fascination in philosophy's pessimism. He agrees to return to England to decide his future.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Search for Meaning

Philip's introduction to philosophy and his restless desire to find purpose and direction in life.

### Suffering and Disillusionment

Philip's attraction to Schopenhauer's pessimism and his view of the world as a place of pitiless woe.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Leaves Heidelberg, avoids traveling with Miss Wilkinson, corresponds with Hayward, attends philosophy lectures, and agrees to return to England.

### Hayward

Departs for Italy before Christmas, writes letters from Rome that influence Philip.

### Mrs. Carey

Writes to Philip about arrangements and Miss Wilkinson's visit.

### Miss Wilkinson

Plans to visit Blackstable; Philip avoids traveling with her.

### Fräulein Anna

Gives Philip a book as a parting gift.

### Fräulein Cäcilie

Mentioned as having gone to Italy with her lover, contributing to Philip's restlessness.

## Key lines

> He never knew that he had been happy there.

Philip was unaware of his happiness during his time in Heidelberg.

_Reflects Philip's lack of self-awareness about his past contentment._

> The pessimism of the subject attracted his youth; and he believed that the world he was about to enter was a place of pitiless woe and of darkness.

Philip's youthful attraction to pessimism led him to view the world as a dark and sorrowful place.

_Highlights Philip's philosophical leanings and youthful idealism._

## Links

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