Of Human Bondage · Chapter
XXXVIII explained
Philip completes his year of articles at the accounting firm, having decided to abandon accountancy and pursue his dream of studying art in Paris.
What happens
Philip completes his year of articles at the accounting firm, having decided to abandon accountancy and pursue his dream of studying art in Paris. He endures the final months with growing disdain, clashing with the clerk Thompson and disappointing Mr. Goodworthy. A trip to Paris with Mr. Goodworthy solidifies his resolve, and he finally announces his departure, feeling liberated.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom and Determinism
Philip chooses to break free from the predetermined path of accountancy, embracing risk to pursue his artistic ambitions.
Art and Authenticity
Philip's passion for painting and his immersion in art books and the National Gallery reflect his search for authentic self-expression.
Class and Social Mobility
The tension between Philip as an articled clerk and lower clerks like Thompson highlights class divisions and the struggle for advancement.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Decides to leave accountancy and pursue art in Paris; endures final months with loathing.
- Mr. Goodworthy
Philip's supervisor; takes him to Paris and later expresses dissatisfaction with Philip's performance.
- Herbert Carter
Philip's employer; dissatisfied with Philip's work and warns him to 'look alive.'
- Hayward
Influences Philip's decision to take risks and pursue art.
- Watson
Fellow clerk who admires Philip's sketches and shows them to Mr. Carter.
- Thompson
Clerk who resents Philip and humiliates him for his lack of accounting skill.
Key passages
“His hesitation had left him now, and he was convinced that he had in him the makings of a great painter. 'After all, I can only try,' he said to himself. 'The great thing in life is to take risks.'”
Philip no longer doubts himself and believes he can become a great painter, deciding that taking risks is what matters most in life.
Philip's resolve to pursue art is strengthened by Hayward's encouragement to embrace risk.
“'For ten months I've loathed it all, I've loathed the work, I've loathed the office, I loathe London. I'd rather sweep a crossing than spend my days here.'”
Philip tells Mr. Goodworthy that he has hated every aspect of his accounting job and would prefer any menial work to staying in London.
Philip expresses his deep dissatisfaction with his current life and his determination to leave.
“He was all eyes as the train sped through the country; he adored the sand dunes, their colour seemed to him more lovely than anything he had ever seen; and he was enchanted with the canals and the long lines of poplars.”
Philip was captivated by the French landscape during the train journey, finding the sand dunes, canals, and poplars more beautiful than anything he had known.
The sensory delight of France reinforces Philip's romantic vision of Paris and his decision to move there.