Chapters 121 through 122

<i>Of Human Bondage</i>, published in 1915, is considered to be W. Somerset Maugham’s best work. Many believe the novel to be one of the world’s literary masterpieces. The story follows Phillip Carey from early childhood through his 30’s. Orphaned at 9, Phillip spends his early years raised by his childless aunt and uncle. His aunt tries to be a mother to Philip, but she is unsure how to behave whereas his uncle, a vicar, takes a cold disposition towards him. Philip is sent to a boarding school but his shyness and his club foot make it difficult for him to fit in. The novel follows this theme throughout as Phillip travels to Germany, France, and England, makes new acquaintances, searches for his life’s calling, and experiences romantic episodes. Mildred in particular, will leave you wondering about Phillip's obsession and passion for such a woman. More than a few of us have had “our Mildred”. The characters in <i>Of Human Bondage</i> are real-life with faults, qualities, and feelings that Maugham describes so vividly. It would not be unusual that we have encountered individuals with traits similar to the characters in this book. At times the emotions in this novel, so simply but purely written, will leave you either sad or happy and even perhaps, teary-eyed as the enthusiasm of youth is met with reality as Phillip tries to discover the meaning of HIS life through the dreams of others.  (Summary by the Tom Weiss)

Arts

Of Human Bondage, published in 1915, is considered to be W. Somerset Maugham’s best work. Many believe the novel to be one of the world’s literary masterpieces. The story follows Phillip Carey from early childhood through his 30’s. Orphaned at 9, Phillip spends his early years raised by his childless aunt and uncle. His aunt tries to be a mother to Philip, but she is unsure how to behave whereas his uncle, a vicar, takes a cold disposition towards him. Philip is sent to a boarding school but his shyness and his club foot make it difficult for him to fit in. The novel follows this theme throughout as Phillip travels to Germany, France, and England, makes new acquaintances, searches for his life’s calling, and experiences romantic episodes. Mildred in particular, will leave you wondering about Phillip's obsession and passion for such a woman. More than a few of us have had “our Mildred”. The characters in Of Human Bondage are real-life with faults, qualities, and feelings that Maugham describes so vividly. It would not be unusual that we have encountered individuals with traits similar to the characters in this book. At times the emotions in this novel, so simply but purely written, will leave you either sad or happy and even perhaps, teary-eyed as the enthusiasm of youth is met with reality as Phillip tries to discover the meaning of HIS life through the dreams of others. (Summary by the Tom Weiss)

Share Chapters 121 through 122

Sign up to save your podcasts

Chapters 121 through 122

Chapters 121 through 122

More shows like Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965)

Mansfield Park (version 2) by Jane Austen (1775 - 1817)

Waiting on God by Andrew Murray (1828 - 1917)

Sense and Sensibility (version 4) by Jane Austen (1775 - 1817)

Pride and Prejudice (version 4) by Jane Austen (1775 - 1817)

Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White (1827 - 1915)

Little Women (version 3 dramatic reading) by Louisa May Alcott (1832 - 1888)

Pride and Prejudice (version 3) by Jane Austen (1775 - 1817)

Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus (1818) by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797 - 1851)

Hour of the Dragon, The by Robert E. Howard (1906 - 1936)

Anne's House of Dreams (Dramatic Reading) by Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874 - 1942)