"Of Human Bondage" by W. Somerset Maugham (1915): A Review

Of Human Bondage (1915) is W. Somerset Maugham’s masterpiece, widely considered one of the great English novels of the 20th century. The semi-autobiographical work is a deeply introspective exploration of the human condition, focusing on themes of love, obsession, personal freedom, and the struggle for self-identity. The novel follows the life of Philip Carey, an orphaned boy with a clubfoot, and his journey from youth to adulthood, as he grapples with the complexities of his desires, personal limitations, and search for meaning. Rich with philosophical reflection and psychological insight, Of Human Bondage offers a candid portrayal of the inner workings of the human mind and the emotional turbulence that often accompanies the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Plot Summary

The novel begins with Philip Carey’s early life. Orphaned at a young age, Philip is taken in by his aunt and uncle, who raise him in relative comfort. However, Philip’s physical deformity—his clubfoot—becomes a source of inner turmoil, marking him as different from other children. His sense of inadequacy and isolation fuels a desire to seek something greater, something to overcome his personal limitations and bring meaning to his life.

As he grows older, Philip embarks on a journey of self-discovery, which leads him to study medicine. However, his academic and career pursuits are frequently overshadowed by his emotional entanglements. Philip falls deeply in love with a beautiful but cruel woman named Mildred Rogers, whose rejection and emotional manipulation leads him into a downward spiral of obsession and self-doubt. His love for Mildred consumes him, and he becomes blind to her faults, unable to extricate himself from a toxic and unreciprocated relationship.

As the novel progresses, Philip continues to seek meaning in his relationships with others, including his friends, mentors, and a brief romance with a kind-hearted woman named Sally Athelny. However, he remains haunted by his own insecurities and the pull of Mildred. His search for happiness leads him through periods of despair, illness, and introspection, but he ultimately begins to understand the value of independence, self-acceptance, and personal growth. Through his painful experiences, Philip learns to reconcile his desire for love with the need for personal freedom, ultimately finding peace with his own identity.

Themes and Analysis

1. The Struggle for Identity and Personal Freedom

At the heart of Of Human Bondage is the theme of personal freedom and the search for identity. Philip Carey’s journey is marked by his struggle to overcome the limitations of his physical deformity, his emotional weaknesses, and his obsessive desires. The novel explores the difficulties of finding one's true self in a world full of external pressures and internal conflicts.

Philip’s experiences highlight how individuals can become imprisoned by their desires, their social expectations, and their need for validation from others. His emotional dependency on Mildred, despite the toxic nature of their relationship, demonstrates how individuals can become bound by unhealthy attachments. The novel ultimately suggests that true freedom is not found in the pursuit of others’ approval or love but in self-acceptance and the courage to break free from destructive patterns.

2. The Complexity of Love and Obsession

Of Human Bondage offers a complex and unflinching exploration of love and obsession. Philip’s infatuation with Mildred serves as the novel’s central emotional conflict. He sees her as the key to his emotional fulfillment, yet her rejection and cruelty repeatedly push him into despair. His obsession with her leads him to disregard his own well-being and the well-being of those around him.

Maugham masterfully examines how love can become an all-consuming force, blinding individuals to the reality of their relationships and their own needs. Philip’s attachment to Mildred symbolizes the danger of idealizing love and the potential harm of romantic obsession. Through this, the novel explores the idea that love, when unchecked or misunderstood, can become a form of bondage that prevents personal growth and happiness.

3. The Role of Suffering in Growth and Self-Understanding

Suffering plays a pivotal role in Of Human Bondage. Philip’s life is marked by emotional turmoil, physical pain, and existential confusion, yet it is through these painful experiences that he gains the wisdom and self-awareness necessary to transcend his limitations. Maugham’s portrayal of suffering is not one of nihilism or despair but rather as a catalyst for personal growth and self-understanding.

Philip’s suffering, both self-inflicted and caused by external circumstances, forces him to confront his deepest fears, desires, and insecurities. His emotional struggles, particularly in relation to Mildred, reflect the universal human condition of seeking meaning and fulfillment in a world that often seems indifferent to personal pain. Through suffering, Philip gradually learns that true contentment comes not from the validation of others but from internal self-acceptance and independence.

4. The Search for Meaning and Artistic Fulfillment

Another significant theme in Of Human Bondage is the search for meaning and artistic fulfillment. Philip’s initial pursuit of medicine represents his desire to find a practical, socially accepted path to personal success. However, his true passion lies in the world of art, and as he grows older, he begins to recognize that his true calling is as an artist. This realization is a turning point in his life, marking the beginning of his journey toward self-actualization.

Maugham uses Philip’s search for a career in art to explore broader philosophical questions about the nature of art, success, and personal fulfillment. The novel asks whether artistic success is worth pursuing and how it relates to one’s sense of identity. For Philip, art becomes not just a means of self-expression but a way to make sense of his own life and to give his existence meaning beyond the material or the superficial.

5. The Influence of Class and Society

Of Human Bondage is also an exploration of class and society’s influence on the individual. Philip comes from a relatively modest background, and his status as an outsider in the upper classes affects his sense of self-worth and his desire to belong. His initial aspirations to achieve success through medicine and later through art reflect his desire to transcend his social standing and prove his worth to others.

However, as Philip matures, he begins to see the limitations of class and social status in determining one’s happiness and fulfillment. The novel critiques the societal pressures that shape individuals’ lives and the way these pressures often lead to personal dissatisfaction. Philip ultimately learns that true success and happiness come not from external validation but from internal growth and self-realization.

Literary Style

Maugham’s writing in Of Human Bondage is characterized by its psychological depth, emotional insight, and narrative clarity. The novel is written in a straightforward style, with an emphasis on introspection and reflection. Maugham’s portrayal of Philip’s inner life is detailed and nuanced, allowing readers to deeply engage with his character’s emotional and psychological development.

The structure of the novel, which follows Philip from childhood into adulthood, allows Maugham to explore the full arc of his protagonist’s growth. The narrative is reflective, often diving into Philip’s thoughts and feelings as he processes his experiences. Maugham’s use of dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the complexities of human relationships and the misunderstandings that often arise between people.

Reception and Legacy

Of Human Bondage was well-received upon its publication, though it faced some controversy due to its frank treatment of sexuality and its exploration of psychological and emotional themes. Critics praised Maugham for his ability to create a complex and sympathetic protagonist in Philip Carey, and the novel was hailed for its exploration of universal themes of love, suffering, and the search for meaning.

The novel has since become a classic of English literature, widely studied for its psychological depth and philosophical reflections on human existence. It is often regarded as Maugham’s greatest work and one of the finest English-language novels of the 20th century. The book’s enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful portrayal of the human condition, its intricate character development, and its exploration of existential questions that remain relevant today.

Conclusion

Of Human Bondage is a profound and introspective novel that explores the complexities of human desires, emotions, and the search for personal fulfillment. Through the life of Philip Carey, W. Somerset Maugham examines themes of love, obsession, personal growth, and the limitations of societal expectations. The novel’s psychological depth, emotional resonance, and timeless exploration of the human condition have cemented its place as a classic of modern literature. Maugham’s exploration of self-identity, suffering, and the pursuit of meaning continues to resonate with readers, making Of Human Bondage an essential and impactful work.