Of Human Bondage, 1915 William Somerset

Of Human Bondage, 1915 William Somerset Maugham

William Somerset Maugham (25 January 1874 – 16 December 1965) He was an English playwright, novelist and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and, reputedly, the highest paid author during the 1930 s. He was critical of the morals, the narrow-mindednees and hypocrisy of bourgeois society.

» This is a novel, not an autobiography, though much in it is autobiographical, more is pure invention. » W. Somerset Maugham. When he was 8 , his parents die of tuberculosis and cancer his uncle, Henry Mac. Donald Maugham, the Vicar of Whitstable , in Kent The boy attended The King’s School, Canterbury , which was also difficult for him. He was teased for his bad English (French had been his first language) Maugham developed a stammer that would stay with him all his life At sixteen h is uncle allowed him to travel to Germany , where he studied literature, philosophy and German at Heidelberg University. he studied medicine at St Thomas ‘ Hospital in Lambeth, London. Philip Carey. When he was 9 years old he was send to aunt and uncle, because his parents die. His uncle is vicar of Blackstable , a small village in Kent The Careys send Philip to King’s School at Tercanbury. He was lame in the right leg In Heidelberg, Philip lives at a boarding house with other foreigners and studies German He studied medicine at St. Luke` Hospital in London.

The Plot This is sad story about life of Philip Carey from his childhood to his engagement with Sally Athelny. This novel include chapters about his study in King’s School at Tercanbury, in Heidelberg , in Paris he study art, in London – medicine. This is long Philip`s way to himself. His search of real love. Without family he have to beg, work and study. All his live he feel himself unheppy, everybody laugh at him and feel sorry, just because think that he is cripple. This novel about customs of England in the end of 19 century, about fashion, art, music, traditions…etc.

Philip Carey He is shy, bashful person, he feel his solitude, helplessness before humane bondage. All his life is a search of true in society, without sneers, treachery, cult of riches. He wanted to be of use for society. Philip is easily carried away. He like to read a lot. This is his wealth. Certainly, he is a very strong person.

Mildred Rogers Ones Dunsford made Philip meet with Mildred, waitress in local café. He fall in love. But she just laugh at him, use him. She became pregnant, but father of her daughter was married. Philip gave a money for her.

She is haughty, self-loving, cruel, immoral, but she had a power at weak-willed Philip.

Philip runs into Mildred again when she is so poor she has resorted to prostitution and, feeling sympathy for her, takes her in to do his housework, though he no longer loves her. T he baby has died. After some months she died too.

Norah Nesbit She was a journalist, she was elder then Philip, and she was just a friend for him. She suffer from coldness of his fillings. Carey leave her when Mildred return again. This character is image of caring mother.

Sally Athelny She is a young person of 19 years old, daughter of Philip`s patient Mr. Athelny. She devoted to Philip, gentle, ioving. Philip had engagement with Sally, but he didn`t love her as Mildred.

The theme 1. Veritable faith in God. 2. Morals and manners in English society. 3. Selling love, and the price of real fillings 4. The real friendship, trust The idea 1. H ave faith in your self. 2. Value sincere relationships. 3. Do what you really want to do.

My impression Maugham`s style of writing is clear and precise. It`s typical story for the end of 19 century about hurt, difficult live of orphan. It is truthful picture of different sides of life.

The end