# XXXV explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## What happens

Philip wakes after his first sexual encounter with Miss Wilkinson, feeling a mix of satisfaction and revulsion. He finds her less attractive in the morning and is embarrassed by her open affection. He writes a romanticized letter to Hayward about the affair, but grows increasingly uncomfortable with her emotional demands. The chapter ends with Miss Wilkinson's departure and Philip's relief.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Obsession

Philip's initial infatuation quickly turns to repulsion, while Miss Wilkinson's obsessive attachment becomes a burden.

### Art and Authenticity

Philip constructs a false, poetic narrative of the affair for Hayward, contrasting with the sordid reality.

### Suffering and Disillusionment

Philip's disillusionment with Miss Wilkinson's age and appearance, and her genuine anguish at his indifference.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Experiences post-coital disillusionment with Miss Wilkinson, yet romanticizes the affair in a letter to Hayward.

### Miss Wilkinson

Shows intense emotional dependence on Philip, crying at his detachment and making a scene before her departure.

### Hayward

Receives Philip's idealized letter about the affair; his reply praises Philip's 'poetic' passion.

### William Carey

Sees Miss Wilkinson off at the station with Philip; is kissed by her on the train.

### Mrs. Carey

Remains at home due to illness; makes a dry comment about Miss Wilkinson's age.

## Key lines

> He was expected to show his sense of obligation in ways which were rather a nuisance: he had been a good deal used to solitude, and it was a necessity to him sometimes; but Miss Wilkinson looked upon it as an unkindness if he was not always at her beck and call.

Philip resented Miss Wilkinson's constant demands for attention, as he valued his solitude.

_Highlights Philip's growing irritation with Miss Wilkinson's possessiveness._

> He was horrified with himself. Was that love? He took as long as he could over dressing in order to put back the moment of seeing her, and when at last he went into the dining-room it was with a sinking heart.

Philip felt disgust and doubt about his feelings, delaying seeing her as long as possible.

_Shows Philip's immediate post-coital regret and disillusionment._

> He made a delicate idyl of it: the sunshine and the sea gave it passion and magic, and the stars added poetry, and the old vicarage garden was a fit and exquisite setting.

Philip romanticized the affair in his mind, turning it into a poetic idyll.

_Illustrates Philip's tendency to fictionalize reality for aesthetic satisfaction._

> What a fool I've been,” she muttered. To his surprise he saw that she was crying. He had a tender heart, and hated to see anyone miserable.

Miss Wilkinson wept in regret, and Philip, moved by pity, tried to comfort her.

_Reveals Miss Wilkinson's genuine emotional pain and Philip's conflicted sympathy._

## Links

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