Of Human Bondage Summary & Key Insights

There is no book titled 'Of Human Bondage' written by W. Somerset Maugham, Benjamin DeMott, and Maeve Binchy collaboratively. W. Somerset Maugham is the sole author of the novel Of Human Bondage. Benjamin DeMott and Maeve Binchy are unrelated authors.

Therefore, this summary will focus solely on W. Somerset Maugham's Of Human Bondage.

The novel follows the life of Philip Carey, a young, orphaned man with a clubfoot, from his childhood to his eventual maturity. His physical deformity profoundly impacts his self-esteem and relationships, fueling a deep-seated insecurity that shapes his life. The narrative is largely a bildungsroman, charting Philip's emotional and intellectual development.

Early in the novel, Philip experiences harsh treatment from his aunt and uncle, fostering a sense of isolation and inadequacy. His time at a rigid and uncaring school further exacerbates his feelings of being different. He later develops a passionate, yet ultimately destructive, love for Mildred Rogers, a waitress with a brazen and self-serving personality. Mildred is manipulative and emotionally unavailable, and their tumultuous relationship defines a large portion of his young adulthood. Philip is hopelessly infatuated, repeatedly drawn back to her despite her cruelty and unfaithfulness, illustrating his self-destructive tendencies and the power of his own insecurities.

His relationship with Mildred forces Philip to confront his feelings of inferiority, his susceptibility to self-deception, and the painful reality of his own flawed judgment. The intensity of his obsession ultimately leads to heartbreak and disillusionment.

After his tumultuous relationship with Mildred, Philip finds solace and a deeper understanding of himself through his pursuit of art and medicine. He studies art in Paris, discovering some skill and satisfaction, though he ultimately realizes it isn't his true calling. He subsequently pursues a medical degree, finding a more satisfying path. He develops a steadier, more mature relationship with Sally Athelny, a kind and independent woman, representing a stark contrast to Mildred. His love for Sally leads him to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

The overarching themes in Of Human Bondage are the complexities of human relationships, the pervasive impact of insecurity and self-doubt, the search for identity and meaning, and the process of self-discovery. Philip's experiences highlight the power of both destructive and constructive relationships in shaping one's life, and ultimately, the long and often painful journey towards self-acceptance and understanding. The "bondage" of the title refers not only to Philip's physical deformity but also to the emotional and psychological limitations that he struggles to overcome throughout his life.