# Suffering and Disillusionment in Of Human Bondage

> Theme guide for Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham.

Philip endures constant physical and emotional pain—from his clubfoot and bullying to failed love and poverty—which strips away his illusions and forces him to confront the harsh realities of existence.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Day Breaks Gray and Dull](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/i): The chapter opens with the raw suffering of a mother facing death and the loss of her newborn, setting a tone of early disillusionment for Philip.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/ii): Philip experiences the loss of his mother and is confronted with the reality of death, yet he also enjoys the attention his suffering brings.
- [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/iii): Philip confronts the harsh reality of his mother's death and the loss of his nurse, facing a future of emotional and financial uncertainty.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/v): Mrs. Carey's desperate act to be remembered highlights the pain of mortality and the fear of being forgotten.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/ix): Philip's inability to learn the collect and his subsequent emotional breakdown highlight his early experiences of frustration and unhappiness.
- [Philip Goes to School](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/x): Philip experiences physical pain from the kick and emotional suffering from the ridicule, beginning his disillusionment with school life.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xi): Philip's physical pain and emotional humiliation at school shatter his childhood innocence.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xii): Philip endures physical and emotional torment from Singer, feeling trapped in a miserable existence with no escape.
- [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xiii): Philip's lie and the genuine distress it causes him illustrate his growing disillusionment with himself and the painful gap between his inner feelings and outward actions.
- [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xiv): Philip's clubfoot and the failure of his prayer lead to a painful loss of innocence and trust in divine intervention.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xv): The masters' fear of change and their clinging to outdated traditions reflect a broader disillusionment with the erosion of their world.
- [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xvi): Philip endures cruel humiliation from Mr. Gordon, who mocks his clubfoot and reduces him to terrified silence, highlighting the suffering inflicted by authority figures.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xvii): Philip's clubfoot causes him shame and humiliation, but Mr. Perkins encourages him to see it as a cross to bear. Philip offers it as a sacrifice, yet the underlying suffering remains.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xix): Philip's painful realization that his friendship with Rose is over, culminating in the cruel remark about his clubfoot.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxi): Philip experiences depression and dissatisfaction after achieving his goal, questioning whether he has done right.
- [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxiv): Professor Erlin's vehement rejection of Ibsen and Wagner reflects a disillusionment with the direction of contemporary culture and a longing for past artistic certainties.
- [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxv): Monsieur Ducroz's life embodies the bitterness of failed revolutionary ideals and the harshness of poverty.
- [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxix): Philip confronts the brutal reality of life through the plays he sees, which depict the vileness and hypocrisy of mankind, shattering his idealistic illusions.
- [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxxi): Philip's attraction to Schopenhauer's pessimism and his view of the world as a place of pitiless woe.
- [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxxiv): Philip's initial disappointment upon seeing Miss Wilkinson in her petticoat and his later indifference during the day foreshadow his eventual disillusionment with romantic ideals.
- [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxxv): Philip's disillusionment with Miss Wilkinson's age and appearance, and her genuine anguish at his indifference.
- [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxxvii): Philip's disillusionment with his job, his culture, and his romantic entanglement, as well as his painful awareness of his clubfoot.
- [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xliii): Fanny Price endures brutal criticism from Foinet, revealing the harsh realities of artistic pursuit and her own delusions about her talent.
- [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xlv): Cronshaw's squalid life and mediocre poetry contrast with his grand philosophical claims, highlighting disillusionment.
- [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xlviii): Fanny Price's starvation and suicide note highlight the extreme suffering and disillusionment that can accompany artistic failure.
- [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xlix): Fanny Price's starvation and suicide, along with Philip's grim observations of the dance hall crowd, highlight the pervasive suffering and disillusionment in life.
- [The Doubt of a Painter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/l): Fanny's suicide and Cronshaw's tragic failure illustrate the harsh realities and disillusionment that accompany the pursuit of art.
- [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/li): Foinet's verdict crushes Philip's hopes, and the memory of Fanny Price's suffering lingers, highlighting the pain of unfulfilled dreams.
- [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lii): Philip reflects on his aunt's wasted life and feels his own mortality; his uncle's casual remarks about the funeral and Mary Ann's dismissal highlight the mundane aftermath of grief.
- [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/liii): Philip reflects on the loneliness, humiliation, and disappointment of his life, but uses flippancy as a defense against despair.
- [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/liv): Philip confronts the grim reality of medical training, the emaciated bodies, and the casual attitude toward death.
- [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lvi): Philip's internal torment and humiliation as he struggles with his feelings for Mildred.
- [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lvii): Philip experiences bitter anguish and despair as he realizes his love for Mildred brings him unhappiness rather than fulfillment.
- [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lviii): Philip's humiliation and the futility of his pursuit highlight his suffering and growing disillusionment with love.
- [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lix): Philip experiences intense emotional suffering, disillusionment with his own philosophy, and the torment of unrequited love, leading to a sense of helplessness.
- [LX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lx): Philip revels in his suffering for love, yet Mildred's indifference foreshadows his eventual disillusionment.
- [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxi): Philip suffers deeply from Mildred's indifference and cruelty, yet he cannot break free, illustrating the painful gap between idealised love and reality.
- [LXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxii): Philip suffers intensely from his unrequited passion, losing interest in art, literature, and beauty, and feeling trapped in a degrading subjugation.
- [LXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxiii): Philip's emotional turmoil and eventual numbness upon learning of Mildred's engagement highlight his ongoing disillusionment.
- [LXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxiv): Philip's sleepless night and rationalization of Mildred's rejection highlight his ongoing pain and disillusionment with love.
- [LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxv): Philip reflects on his past love for Mildred as a degrading madness, and Cronshaw's decline illustrates the tragic consequences of a dissolute life.
- [LXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxvi): Philip reflects on his past suffering from his obsession with Mildred, and Norah's sympathy helps him heal and regain self-esteem.
- [LXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxvii): Philip reflects on the degradation of his past passion for Mildred and the dullness of life without intense emotion.
- [Chapter LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxix): Mildred's abandonment and Philip's anguish over her affair with a married man deepen his disillusionment with love and human nature.
- [LXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxx): Philip experiences inner turmoil and guilt as he deceives Norah, while his obsession with Mildred brings him more pain than joy. The chapter highlights his disillusionment with love.
- [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxi): Norah's silent tears and Philip's guilt highlight the pain caused by unrequited love.
- [LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxii): Mildred's pragmatic view of her body as a commodity and her hope for a stillbirth reflect disillusionment with her circumstances.
- [LXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxiii): Philip experiences bitter disappointment when Mildred extends her stay, realizing she does not reciprocate his intensity of feeling.
- [LXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxiv): Philip experiences acute emotional pain and humiliation as he realizes Mildred's affection for Griffiths, shattering his illusions about their relationship.
- [LXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxv): Philip experiences emotional suffering and disillusionment as Mildred's betrayal shatters his hopes.
- [LXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxvi): Philip experiences profound suffering and disillusionment as he realizes the depth of Mildred's manipulation and Griffiths' betrayal, leading to a sense of helplessness.
- [LXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxvii): Philip experiences profound emotional pain, humiliation, and a descent into drunkenness and sordid encounters.
- [LXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxviii): Philip endures profound emotional pain from Mildred's repeated betrayals and feels utterly disillusioned with love and human nature.
- [Chapter LXXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxx): Philip's feigned indifference masks deep pain; Mildred's humiliation and Griffiths' callousness highlight disillusionment.
- [LXXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxxi): Philip is confronted with the relentless suffering of patients, including a young girl dying of tuberculosis and a man forced to work despite a fatal condition, leading to a disillusioned view of life's harshness.
- [LXXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxxii): Cronshaw's physical decay and acceptance of death highlight the theme of suffering and the disillusionment of a wasted life.
- [LXXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxxiii): Cronshaw's physical decay and squalid living conditions contrast with his earlier poetic aspirations, highlighting the disillusionment of a neglected artist.
- [LXXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxxiv): Philip endures both the physical decline of Cronshaw and the emotional torment of his own deformity being publicly exposed.
- [LXXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxxv): Cronshaw's wasted life and death highlight the futility and suffering inherent in existence.
- [LXXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxxviii): Philip reflects on his past disillusionment with idealism and his embrace of life's sordidness, but now senses a higher realism that transcends mere ugliness.
- [XC](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xc): Mildred's fall into prostitution and Philip's horrified recognition of her degradation highlight the brutal realities of poverty and despair.
- [XCI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xci): Mildred's reduced circumstances and Philip's lack of romantic feeling highlight the disillusionment and suffering in their relationship.
- [XCII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xcii): Philip reflects on his past pain over Mildred and now feels only pity, illustrating his disillusionment with love and the fading of intense emotions.
- [XCIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xciii): Philip's decision to undergo surgery for his clubfoot reflects his ongoing struggle with physical and emotional suffering, and his hope for a better future.
- [XCIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xciv): Philip reflects on the waste of his past suffering for Mildred, now feeling indifferent and disillusioned with love.
- [XCV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xcv): Philip's hospital work exposes him to the grim realities of human suffering—drunks, suicides, and accidents—while his home life with Mildred is marked by petty quarrels and emotional distance.
- [XCVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xcvi): Philip's disillusionment with Mildred and his past love leads to a painful confrontation, while Mildred suffers humiliation and rage.
- [XCVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xcvii): Philip experiences the destruction of his home and belongings, leading to a sense of despair and boredom with Mildred; he reflects on the cruelty and absurdity of the situation.
- [XCVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xcviii): Philip experiences profound suffering and disillusionment as his financial losses and his uncle's refusal crush his hopes for the future, highlighting the harsh realities of life.
- [XCIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xcix): Philip's physical hunger, shame, and contemplation of suicide illustrate his profound suffering and disillusionment with his circumstances.
- [C](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/c): Philip endures hunger, humiliation, and the crushing weight of poverty, losing faith in his fellow men.
- [CI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/ci): Philip's physical and emotional suffering from homelessness and near-starvation is starkly portrayed, highlighting his disillusionment with life.
- [CII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cii): Philip's hopes for a creative job are dashed, and he accepts a menial position, reflecting his ongoing disillusionment with life's possibilities.
- [CIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/ciii): Philip endures physical pain from his clubfoot and the drudgery of his job, reflecting the novel's exploration of suffering.
- [CV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cv): Philip endures the monotony and humiliation of his job, his despair only alleviated by the hope of his uncle's death.
- [CVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cvi): Philip reflects on the pain and disappointment of his own life and the lives of others, including Hayward and Cronshaw.
- [CVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cviii): Mrs. Athelny's bitter regret about her life and Philip's reflection on the meaningless toil of millions underscore the theme of suffering and disillusionment.
- [CIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cix): Mildred's physical and emotional suffering, and Philip's disillusionment upon re-encountering her, highlight the theme of suffering and the harsh realities of life.
- [Chapter CX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cx): Philip's uncle endures constant pain and a monotonous existence, while Philip himself suffers from financial desperation and moral torment.
- [CXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxi): Philip experiences lassitude and disappointment as his anticipated freedom is delayed; he witnesses his uncle's terror of death and the physical suffering of dying.
- [CXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxii): Philip reflects bitterly on his wasted years and the futility of life, feeling alienated from the schoolboys and haunted by his past mistakes.
- [CXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxiii): The chapter highlights the despair of poverty, including the tragedy of job loss and the resentment toward unwanted children, leading Philip to feel rage at the world's cruelty.
- [CXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxiv): Philip witnesses the pointless death of a young mother and reflects on the grim life that awaited her, underscoring the cruelty of fate and the bleakness of poverty.
- [CXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxvi): Philip reflects on Mildred with a painful mix of fear and curiosity, and his past experiences of poverty and loss have shaped his current pragmatic outlook.
- [Chapter CXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxxi): Philip reflects on his past suffering, including his clubfoot and the pain caused by others, and finds meaning in it, accepting life's inherent flaws.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/themes/suffering_and_disillusionment
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/themes