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Chapter 56
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 arrives early for the date, but Mildred is late. When she does arrive, he’s annoyed by her indifferent manner. At dinner, Philip orders champagne, hoping it will improve Mildred’s mood. At the play, Mildred laughs a lot, but Philip finds the comedy vulgar and uninteresting. Afterward, Mildred says she enjoyed herself and says, “I don’t mind” when asked about going out with him again. Philip confronts her about her indifference, but Mildred says she never lacks when it comes to men who want to take her to plays.
Philip himself often feels guilty for his indifference toward people who loved him, including Louisa and Miss Price. With Mildred, Philip gets his first taste of what it’s like to be on the other side of that indifference when Mildred tells him, “I don’t mind.” Mildred seems to understand the power she has over Philip, in particular her ability to make him jealous by mentioning other men.
Active
Themes
Philip and Mildred say good night, and Philip goes home. He thinks about how he used to imagine what falling in love would be like, taking place in a fancy ballroom. Compared to this fantasy, it seems impossible to ever love Mildred.
Active
Themes
