Of Human Bondage: A Tale of Love and Addiction

By W. Somerset Maugham

Published in 1915, Of Human Bondage is a semi-autobiographical novel by W. Somerset Maugham. The novel tells the story of Philip Carey, a young man who struggles with love, addiction, and the search for meaning in life.

Of Human Bondage (Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics)

by W. Somerset Maugham

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1126 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	637 pages

FREE

Plot Summary

Philip Carey is an orphan who is raised by his cruel and unloving uncle and aunt. After being sent to boarding school, Philip develops a crush on his beautiful and aloof cousin, Mildred. When Mildred rejects him, Philip turns to alcohol and drugs to ease his pain.

After graduating from school, Philip moves to London to study medicine. He meets and falls in love with a kind and intelligent woman named Sally Athelny. However, Philip's addiction to alcohol and drugs continues to haunt him, and he eventually sabotages his relationship with Sally.

Philip eventually hits rock bottom and is forced to confront his addiction. With the help of a wise and compassionate doctor, Philip begins to rebuild his life. He gives up alcohol and drugs, and he finds a new purpose in life by becoming a doctor himself.

Characters

• Philip Carey: The protagonist of the novel, Philip is a young man who struggles with love, addiction, and the search for meaning in life.
• Mildred: Philip's beautiful and aloof cousin, Mildred is the object of Philip's unrequited love.
• Sally Athelny: A kind and intelligent woman, Sally is Philip's true love. However, Philip's addiction to alcohol and drugs sabotages their relationship.
• Dr. Cronshaw: A wise and compassionate doctor, Dr. Cronshaw helps Philip to confront his addiction and rebuild his life.

Themes

Of Human Bondage explores a number of themes, including:

• The nature of love: Philip's unrequited love for Mildred and his doomed relationship with Sally explore the different ways that love can both hurt and heal.
• The destructive power of addiction: Philip's addiction to alcohol and drugs nearly destroys his life. The novel shows the devastating effects that addiction can have on both the individual and those around them.
• The search for meaning in life: Philip's journey through life is a search for meaning. He tries to find meaning in love, in work, and in religion. Ultimately, he finds meaning in helping others.

Critical Reception

Of Human Bondage was a critical and commercial success upon its publication. The novel has been praised for its realism, its psychological insights, and its moving portrayal of the human condition. Somerset Maugham has been hailed as one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century, and Of Human Bondage is considered one of his masterpieces.

Legacy

Of Human Bondage has had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. The novel has been adapted into several films, television shows, and stage plays. It has also been translated into more than 30 languages.

Of Human Bondage is a classic novel that continues to be read and enjoyed by readers around the world. The novel's themes of love, addiction, and the search for meaning in life are still relevant today, and its characters and story continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

Of Human Bondage (Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics)

by W. Somerset Maugham

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1126 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	637 pages

FREE