Of Human Bondage · Chapter
XXXVII explained
Philip struggles with loneliness and isolation in London, working as an articled clerk.
What happens
Philip struggles with loneliness and isolation in London, working as an articled clerk. He spends Christmas alone, feeling miserable amidst the festivities. He also deals with the aftermath of his affair with Miss Wilkinson, who writes him passionate, reproachful letters. Philip feels trapped and wishes he had never been involved with her.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Belonging
Philip's profound loneliness in London is a central focus; he envies others' happiness and feels excluded from social life.
Love and Obsession
Miss Wilkinson's obsessive, reproachful letters and Philip's guilt and desire to escape highlight the destructive side of love.
Suffering and Disillusionment
Philip's disillusionment with his job, his culture, and his romantic entanglement, as well as his painful awareness of his clubfoot.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Feels intensely lonely in London, struggles with his deformity, and is burdened by Miss Wilkinson's letters.
- Miss Wilkinson
Writes passionate, reproachful letters to Philip, threatening suicide and expressing her misery over his coldness.
- Watson
Philip's fellow clerk; he is socially adept and casually ends an affair, which Philip envies.
- Hayward
Influences Philip's views on art and culture, but Philip begins to doubt their value.
- Mrs. Carey
Ill in November; she and the Vicar go to Cornwall for Christmas, leaving Philip without a place to go.
- William Carey
Sends Philip fourteen pounds a month; goes to Cornwall with his wife for Christmas.
Key passages
“I wish to God I’d never had anything to do with her.”
Philip regrets ever getting involved with Miss Wilkinson.
Reflects Philip's growing resentment and desire to escape the relationship.
“He had never imagined that it was possible to be so lonely in a great city.”
Philip is shocked by the depth of his isolation in London.
Highlights the theme of isolation and belonging.
“He felt for the first time the humiliation of poverty.”
Philip experiences shame about his financial limitations.
Connects to class and social mobility themes.