Of Human Bondage

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

351

Title

Of Human Bondage

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A poignant exploration of suffering, resilience, and the human condition, this novel follows Philip Carey, a young man born with a clubfoot who navigates poverty, illness, and emotional turmoil. Through his journey from childhood abandonment to professional ambition and eventual marriage, Maugham examines the bonds that shape us and the necessity of accepting life's inevitable hardships with grace.

Summary up to 500 words

W. Somerset Maugham's *Of Human Bondage* chronicles the life of Philip Carey, a man defined by physical deformity and an intense fear of death. Born with a clubfoot and abandoned by his dying mother, Philip is raised by his uncle, the Vicar of Blackstable. His childhood is marked by isolation and bullying at school, yet he cultivates a profound intellect and artistic sensibility. As a young man, Philip struggles with poverty and existential dread, often contemplating suicide but finding the strength to endure. He works as a designer in London, navigating office politics while battling his own insecurities. Philip's life takes a dramatic turn when he falls in love with Sally, a vibrant woman he meets while traveling. Driven by a desire for stability and love, he decides to marry her, hoping to find a home. However, his plans shatter when he discovers she is pregnant by another man. Despite his initial despair, Philip chooses to accept the situation, realizing that life's patterns often defy control. He eventually marries Sally, finding contentment in a simple life by the sea. Throughout his journey, Philip confronts his weaknesses, his obsession with mortality, and the cruelty of others. He learns to forgive and find joy in the present moment. The novel serves as a meditation on the fragility of human existence. Philip's ultimate realization is that the 'normal' is the rarest thing in the world; everyone possesses some defect, whether of body or mind. By accepting his own deformity and the flaws of others, he transcends his suffering. The story concludes with Philip embracing the simple, repetitive pattern of life—being born, working, marrying, having children, and dying—as the most perfect design, surrendering his lofty ideals to the reality of happiness and love.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/351.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg351.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-07 12:17 UTC

Categories

• Classics
• Fiction