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Chapter 55
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Of Human Bondage, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Maturation and Finding Purpose
Marriage and Family
Religion and Belief
Poverty and Injustice
Summary
Analysis
Philip still can’t stop thinking about Mildred. He goes back one more time and is happy that she seems to recognize him this time and know that he’s a medical student. He looks at her again and decides she’s beautiful. He draws a picture of her one day, and the next day, Mildred says she’s impressed. She remembers Dunsford and asks about him. Philip is pleased that he and Mildred seem to be getting along, but the next time he comes, she is busy and rushed.
Philip’s interest in Mildred begins the way some of his past relationships have begun, with him initially not seeing anything interesting in the other person, only to suddenly fall head over heels for an idealized version of her. The picture that Philip draws of Mildred suggests that he is creating his own version of her rather than falling in love with her as she is.
Active
Themes
Philip starts to dislike Mildred again, and the next few times he returns, he ignores her. He realizes that what he does doesn’t impact her. One day after about a week, he changes his mind and addresses her, inviting her to dinner and a musical comedy. She accepts, and they make arrangements.
Active
Themes
