# XXXVII explained — Of Human Bondage

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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