Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham. Summary of the book.

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Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham: A Summary

Of Human Bondage is a 1915 novel by British author W. Somerset Maugham. The book is widely considered to be Maugham’s masterpiece and one of the most influential English language novels of the 20th century. The book follows the life of Philip Carey, an orphan who struggles to find his place in society. Through his journey, the reader learns about the universal human experience and the bonds that tie us together.

Plot Summary

Philip Carey is a sensitive, intelligent young man who is orphaned at a young age and raised by his uncle and aunt. As a child, Philip is lonely and struggles to fit in. At the age of sixteen, Philip leaves his aunt and uncle to attend a boarding school. He is still an outsider, but he develops an interest in art and literature, as well as a deep admiration for his schoolmaster, Mr. Perkins. After graduating, Philip goes to Heidelberg University in Germany, where he meets a number of interesting people, including the eccentric painter, Fanny Price. Philip falls in love with Fanny and is devastated when she rejects him.

Philip then travels to Paris to pursue a career in art, but he soon realizes he lacks the necessary talent. He returns to London and enrolls in medical school, where he meets the beautiful Mildred Rogers. Mildred is a cruel and cold-hearted woman who leads Philip on and then rejects him. Philip is completely devoted to her, despite her unfaithfulness. Eventually, Philip realizes that he is in too deep and must break free from the bondage of his feelings for Mildred.

Philip continues his medical studies and eventually becomes a doctor. He meets and falls in love with a young woman named Sally Athelny, who he marries and with whom he has two children. By the end of the novel, Philip has come to terms with his place in the world and is content with his life.

Main Themes

Of Human Bondage explores the universal human experience of longing for love and acceptance. The novel examines the power of love and how it can both lift us up and tear us down. The book also explores the idea of fate, and how our choices can shape our future. Finally, the book deals with the idea of the human spirit and how it can help us overcome our struggles and be true to ourselves.

Interesting Facts

  • Somerset Maugham wrote the first draft of Of Human Bondage in just six weeks.
  • The novel was adapted into a motion picture in 1934, starring Bette Davis and Leslie Howard.
  • The novel has been translated into over 30 languages.
  • The novel was banned in the United States in 1915 due to its explicit content.
  • The novel has been adapted into other media, such as opera, television, and radio.

FAQs

What is Of Human Bondage about?

Of Human Bondage is a novel about the universal human experience of longing for love and acceptance. It follows the life of Philip Carey, an orphan who struggles to find his place in society. Through his journey, the reader learns about the bonds that tie us together, the power of love, fate, and the human spirit.

Who wrote Of Human Bondage?

The novel was written by British author W. Somerset Maugham in 1915.

Is Of Human Bondage a movie?

Yes, Of Human Bondage was adapted into a motion picture in 1934, starring Bette Davis and Leslie Howard.

How many languages is Of Human Bondage translated into?

The novel has been translated into over 30 languages.

When was Of Human Bondage first published?

Of Human Bondage was first published in 1915.

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