Of Human Bondage · Question
How does Of Human Bondage develop the theme of Freedom and Determinism?
Answer
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham develops Freedom and Determinism across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The novel explores whether humans have free will or are puppets of fate, with characters like Cronshaw arguing that actions are inevitable, while Philip struggles to assert his own choices.
Philip yearns for freedom from the restrictions of school and the predetermined path of ordination, asserting his will against external pressures.
Philip chooses to leave school and pursue his own path, but feels trapped by his own decision and the constraints of his age.
Philip savors his freedom from school and convention, while Wharton contrasts the freedoms of thought and action in Germany, France, and England.
Evidence in the book
- XX
Philip yearns for freedom from the restrictions of school and the predetermined path of ordination, asserting his will against external pressures.
- XXI
Philip chooses to leave school and pursue his own path, but feels trapped by his own decision and the constraints of his age.
- XXIII
Philip savors his freedom from school and convention, while Wharton contrasts the freedoms of thought and action in Germany, France, and England.
- XXVIII
Philip feels liberated by his unbelief, yet also struggles with the fear of eternal damnation, highlighting the tension between free will and predetermined consequences.
- XXXVIII
Philip chooses to break free from the predetermined path of accountancy, embracing risk to pursue his artistic ambitions.
- XXXIX
Philip asserts his freedom to choose his own path against his uncle's insistence on sticking to a predetermined course, highlighting the conflict between individual will and societal expectations.
- XLV
Cronshaw argues that all actions are inevitable and that free will is an illusion, challenging Philip's conventional beliefs.
- The Doubt of a Painter
Philip questions whether he is free to choose a different path or if his nature and circumstances doom him to mediocrity.
