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Bondage into Several Ways: Exploring our World in Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage"


  
Of Human Bondage (1915)  by Somerset Maugham (1874-1965)

Characters:
 Philip Carey; Mildred Rogers; Sally Athelny; Thorpe Athelny;Harry Griffiths; Norah; Emil Miller; Dunsford; Dr. Jacobs; Landlady

Exploring the Different Facets of Bondage in Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage"

Love and Desolation: Unraveling Human Bondage in Somerset Maugham's Masterpiece

Somerset Maugham

Somerset Maugham (1874-1965), English author, whose novels and short stories are characterized by great narrative facility, simplicity of style, and a disillusioned and ironic point of view. Somerset Maugham’s partially autobiographical novel "Of Human Bondage" (1915) is generally acknowledged as his masterpiece and is one of the best realistic English novels of the early 20th century. "Of Human Bondage" reveals Maugham’s “belief in the meaninglessness of life”. simply it is a story about a medical student who falls in love with a mean-spirited waitress. Released in 1934, this film was based on a novel by W. Somerset Maugham. After medical student Philip Carey  falls in love with a vulgar waitress named Mildred Rogers , she breaks his heart again and again. Carey has a deformed foot, and Mildred tells him she could never love a “cripple.” She runs off with a salesman, then with one of Carey’s classmates.

According to Somerset Maugham, human bondage may be divided into several ways.

Bound by Birth: The Struggles of Phillip in Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage"

 First of all,  there is the bondage related with the birth of a person. For example, Phillip the central character of “Of Human Bondage “ suffered from an inferiority complex  on account of his poor birth and a club-foot . He suffered both in the class-room as well as in the society.

Phillip's journey in "Of Human Bondage" unveils the intricate layers of bondage rooted in his birth. The weight of his inferiority complex, stemming from his humble origins and physical deformity, becomes a relentless source of torment. He endures the painful sting of rejection and exclusion, facing adversities both within the confines of the classroom and the judgmental gaze of society. Somerset Maugham masterfully portrays the suffocating grip of societal expectations and the lasting impact of one's birth circumstances, exposing the profound complexities and limitations imposed by the concept of birthright.

The Shackles of Body and Illusions: Unveiling Life's Painful Realities in Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage"

Secondly: there is the body –bondage which keeps a person under painful conditions till death. Love and marriage are only illusion because they fail to afford real pleasure of life. In most of the cases, unhappiness arises out of failure, defeat, or death.

Within the pages of "Of Human Bondage," Somerset Maugham explores into the profound concept of body-bondage, wherein individuals find themselves trapped in arduous and agonizing circumstances until their last breath. Love and marriage, once seen as sources of solace, reveal themselves as mere illusions, failing to offer the true pleasures of life. Unhappiness often arises from the crushing weight of failure, defeat, and mortality. Through intricate storytelling, Maugham exposes the harsh realities of existence, where individuals grapple with the constraints imposed by their physical limitations and the ephemeral nature of happiness, ultimately questioning the very essence of human bondage.

The Dual Forces of Rebellion: Exploring Spirit and Economic Bondage in Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage

Thirdly, there is the spirit bondage which incites a person for rebellion. The character of Mildred is the most of glaring example of rebellious spirit in “Of Human Bondage”. Lastly, sex and money play a vital role under economic bondage. The spirit of a man or women is certainly very powerful. If it is not appeared it turns violet and rebellious. The same idea is very clearly and effectively illustrated by Somerset Maugham in his great book, “Of Human Bondage”. The character of Philip in the book is an important example.

The theme of bondage extends beyond the physical realm to encompass the realm of the spirit and economic spheres. The character of Mildred stands as a striking embodiment of rebellious spirit, challenging societal norms and defying the expectations imposed upon her. Furthermore, the intertwining forces of sex and money act as potent catalysts for economic bondage, exerting a profound influence on the characters' lives. Maugham skillfully illustrates how the human spirit, when suppressed or denied, can transform into a volatile force, yearning for liberation and self-expression. Through Philip's journey, we witness the transformative power of breaking free from societal and economic constraints, illuminating the indomitable spirit's capacity for growth and emancipation.

Conclusion

In "Of Human Bondage,"  Somerset Maugham  meticulously explores the multifaceted nature of bondage. From the shackles of birth and body to the rebellious spirit and economic constraints, the novel paints a vivid picture of the complexities and limitations that shape human existence. Through its nuanced characters and thought-provoking themes, Maugham's work challenges readers to question the nature of bondage in their own lives.

  Ardhendu De

References
1. Of human bondage : a novel : Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset), 1874-1965 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/ofhumanbondageno00maugrich

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