Of Human Bondage · Chapter
XX explained
Philip, now in the Sixth Form, has lost all ambition and hates school.
What happens
Philip, now in the Sixth Form, has lost all ambition and hates school. He is bored and restless, yearning for freedom. Mr. Perkins confronts him about his poor work and lack of interest, and Philip reveals he no longer intends to go to Oxford or be ordained. Mr. Perkins later tries to persuade him emotionally to reconsider, but Philip resists, thinking of the dreary lives of local clergy and his desire to escape.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the full psychological inversion of Philip’s charact…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Freedom and Determinism
Philip yearns for freedom from the restrictions of school and the predetermined path of ordination, asserting his will against external pressures.
- Religion and Doubt
Philip rejects the clergy, disillusioned by the hypocrisy and dreariness of religious life he has observed.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Philip is disillusioned with school and the clergy, resisting Mr. Perkins' persuasion to be ordained.
- Mr. Perkins
The headmaster tries to revive Philip's ambition and persuade him to be ordained, using emotional appeal.
- William Carey
Philip's uncle, a vicar, is mentioned as weak and selfish, contributing to Philip's rejection of the clergy.
- Mrs. Carey
Aunt Louisa is mentioned as having encouraged Philip's drawing and as being forgetful about his school report.
Key passages
“I won’t. I won’t. I won’t.”
Philip silently repeats his refusal to be swayed by Mr. Perkins' persuasion.
This internal mantra shows Philip's determination to resist the path of ordination.
“He yearned for freedom.”
Philip desperately wanted to escape the constraints of school life.
Highlights Philip's growing desire for autonomy and change.
