Mildred Rogers Character Analysis in Of Human Bondage

Mildred is a woman who works in a tea shop who ends up in a messy, on-again, off-again relationship with Philip. Philip initially meets Mildred through his medical school friend Dunsford, who is dating Mildred. Though Philip doesn’t see Mildred’s appeal at first, he becomes obsessed with her after Dunsford ends the relationship, and he throws himself into winning her over. Mildred’s feelings toward Philip can be difficult for him to understand. Although she is intermittently affectionate, she seems more interested in other men, like Miller, and she often appears indifferent to Philip’s shows of affection. Philip comes to realize that Mildred mostly just wants his money and to control him, although it takes several rejections for the message to sink in. Philip demonstrates his personal growth when he provides her with shelter and basic necessities during a difficult time, but Mildred angrily rejects him after he tries to set firmer boundaries with her. Ultimately, Mildred ends up alone in poverty, relying on sex work to get by. Philip never learns her fate after the last time they part, and her abrupt disappearance from the story illustrates the great struggles that people in poverty can face.

Mildred Rogers Quotes in Of Human Bondage

The Of Human Bondage quotes below are all either spoken by Mildred Rogers or refer to Mildred Rogers. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

Maturation and Finding Purpose Theme Icon

His influence with Dunsford was strong enough to get him to take their tea elsewhere, and Dunsford soon found another young woman to flirt with. But the snub which the waitress had inflicted on him rankled. If she had treated him with civility he would have been perfectly indifferent to her; but it was obvious that she disliked him rather than otherwise, and his pride was wounded. He could not suppress a desire to be even with her.

Related Characters: Philip Carey, Dunsford, Mildred Rogers

Page Number and Citation: 269

Explanation and Analysis:

He nodded and limped away slowly, for he hoped with all his heart that she would call him back. At the next lamp-post he stopped and looked over his shoulder. He thought she might beckon to him—he was willing to forget everything, he was ready for any humiliation—but she had turned away, and apparently had ceased to trouble about him. He realised that she was glad to be quit of him.

Related Characters: Miller, Mildred Rogers, Philip Carey

Related Symbols: Club Foot

Page Number and Citation: 284

Explanation and Analysis:

Philip could not help thinking how delightful it would be to make fifty pounds, so that he could give Norah the furs she so badly needed for the winter. He looked at the shops in Regent Street and picked out the articles he could buy for the money. She deserved everything. She made his life very happy.

Related Characters: Mrs. Norah Nesbit, Macalister, Mildred Rogers, Philip Carey

Page Number and Citation: 329

Explanation and Analysis:

Philip’s mind was full of the stories he had heard of baby-farming and the ghouls who ill-treat the wretched children that selfish, cruel parents have put in their charge.

“Don’t be so silly,” said Mildred. “That’s when you give a woman a sum down to look after a baby. But when you’re going to pay so much a week it’s to their interest to look after it well.”

Related Characters: Mildred Rogers (speaker), Philip Carey, Aunt Louisa Carey, Uncle William Carey, Miller

Page Number and Citation: 352

Explanation and Analysis:

“D’you WANT to come away with me?” asked Philip.

“I don’t mind.”

He looked at her, and the corners of his mouth turned down in an expression of misery. He had triumphed indeed, and he was going to have his way.

Related Characters: Philip Carey (speaker), Mildred Rogers (speaker), Miller, Griffiths

Page Number and Citation: 371

Explanation and Analysis:

Then Philip heard nothing more of her at all. She vanished into the vast anonymous mass of the population of London.

Related Characters: Philip Carey (speaker), Griffiths, Mildred Rogers

Page Number and Citation: 395

Explanation and Analysis:

“I should have thought if you’d loved me really you’d have loved me still.”

“I should have thought so too. I remember how I used to think that it would last for ever, I felt I would rather die than be without you, and I used to long for the time when you would be faded and wrinkled so that nobody cared for you any more and I should have you all to myself.”

Related Characters: Mildred Rogers (speaker), Philip Carey (speaker), Thorpe Athelny

Page Number and Citation: 473

Explanation and Analysis:

“Betty,” he said, when she came in, “Mr. Carey’s coming to live with us.”

“Oh, that is nice,” she said. “I’ll go and get the bed ready.”

She spoke in such a hearty, friendly tone, taking everything for granted, that Philip was deeply touched. He never expected people to be kind to him, and when they were it surprised and moved him.

Related Characters: Thorpe Athelny (speaker), Betty Athelny (speaker), Uncle William Carey, Philip Carey, Mildred Rogers, Macalister

Page Number and Citation: 502

Explanation and Analysis:

“How can you care for me?” he said. “I’m insignificant and crippled and ordinary and ugly.”

She took his face in both her hands and kissed his lips.

“You’re an old silly, that’s what you are,” she said.

Related Characters: Philip Carey (speaker), Sally Athelny, Thorpe Athelny, Betty Athelny, Mildred Rogers

Related Symbols: Club Foot

Page Number and Citation: 598

Explanation and Analysis:

Mildred Rogers Character Timeline in Of Human Bondage

The timeline below shows where the character Mildred Rogers appears in Of Human Bondage. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...Dunsford is in love with a server who looks plain to Philip. Her name is Mildred Rogers. (full context)

Philip tries to make a joke with Mildred one day at the tea shop, and she gets annoyed at him. He vows not... (full context)

Philip still can’t stop thinking about Mildred. He goes back one more time and is happy that she seems to recognize him... (full context)

Philip starts to dislike Mildred again, and the next few times he returns, he ignores her. He realizes that what... (full context)

Philip arrives early for the date, but Mildred is late. When she does arrive, he’s annoyed by her indifferent manner. At dinner, Philip... (full context)

Philip and Mildred say good night, and Philip goes home. He thinks about how he used to imagine... (full context)

When Philip wakes the next morning, his first thought is Mildred. He goes to check on her, but she doesn’t seem happy to see him. Later,... (full context)

When Philip returns on Saturday to have tea before picking Mildred up, he notices a German man named Miller who has been in talking to Mildred... (full context)

Later, Philip stalks Mildred to see if she’s going out with Miller. He doesn’t see Miller, but he notices... (full context)

Philip goes home and regrets giving Mildred an ultimatum. He feels helpless and still loves Mildred even though he doesn’t want to,... (full context)

Philip gets overwhelmed by the urge to see Mildred again. He goes back to the tea shop and is surprised when she greets him... (full context)

Philip and Mildred dine at a humble restaurant in Soho. Mildred likes the casual atmosphere. but she dislikes... (full context)

Philip begins to see Mildred every day at the shop, dining with her once or twice a week. Often, they... (full context)

Philip tries to suppress his passion for Mildred, seeing love as a parasite. But eventually, he decides that no amount of ignoring the... (full context)

...on marriage as an institution. Still, Philip continues to feel agony about not being with Mildred, and eventually, he decides that he will propose to her in spite of her promise... (full context)

...one of the worst students in his year but doesn’t care. He tries to win Mildred’s favor and slowly gets her to open up more to him. Although she can still... (full context)

One day at dinner, when things seem to be going well, Mildred tells Philip that she has to tell him something he won’t like: She is going... (full context)

That night, Philip wakes at three in the morning and thinks of Mildred. He tries to accept that it is more rational for her to marry Miller, who... (full context)

Hayward’s visit cheers Philip up and makes him think of Mildred less often. He thinks he was weak for ever loving her. While Hayward is still... (full context)

...it, which intrigues Philip. He starts taking daily tea with her, comparing her favorably against Mildred. One day, he tells Norah about Mildred, and she thinks that things turned out for... (full context)

...Philip hears from his landlady that a woman has come to meet him. He finds Mildred waiting for him. He asks what she wants, but she just cries and say she... (full context)

After some hesitation, Mildred describes what happened with Miller. Apparently, after an argument, he went on a trip to... (full context)

Mildred eventually admits to Philip that she and Miller never married because he already had a... (full context)

Mildred says she remembers Philip’s marriage proposal and would do anything for him to take her... (full context)

...from Norah for a while, which surprises and irritates him. He finds two rooms for Mildred in a neighborhood that she requested. Then, anxiously, Philip goes to see Norah. He knows... (full context)

Philip thinks that Norah is worth 10 of Mildred, but he can’t help that he would rather kiss Mildred than Norah. He promises to... (full context)

...see her, he shouldn’t bother coming back. That evening at dinner, Philip finds out that Mildred has her own plans the next day and can’t do anything with him. (full context)

...to cry. Philip isn’t sure what she sees in him. He admits to her that Mildred came back. Philip escorts Norah back in a cab, and she says she doesn’t blame... (full context)

Philip spends three months seeing Mildred daily. When Mildred’s new landlady is around, Philip poses as Mildred’s brother. He often gives... (full context)

Eventually, Mildred gives birth. She lies to the nurses, claiming that her husband is in India. It’s... (full context)

Within three weeks, Mildred has recovered well, and her baby is healthy. She takes the child to Brighton to... (full context)

Philip considers surprising Mildred in Brighton but instead writes to ask her permission to visit. She invites him to... (full context)

At lunch, Mildred introduces Philip to Mrs. Harding, who will be taking care of her child. Mrs. Harding... (full context)

Mildred returns the next Sunday. She is more affectionate than usual, and Philip is very happy.... (full context)

The next day, Griffiths shows up for tea with Mildred and Philip as planned. Philip enjoys this at first, but when gets to dinner time... (full context)

That evening, something about seeing Griffiths and Mildred together annoys Philip. He feels a strange desire to “torture himself” and announces that he... (full context)

Philip, Mildred, and Griffiths take the same cab home, dropping off Mildred first. Philip knows Mildred and... (full context)

Philip wakes in a better mood the next day. He finds Mildred wearing a new dress he gave her and reminds her that if she wants it... (full context)

Philip tells Mildred it’s best not to take Griffiths too seriously. Mildred says Philip seems to be taking... (full context)

Philip knows Mildred is lying, but he asks anyway when her doctor expects she’ll be healthy enough to... (full context)

As they get ready to leave, Mildred tries to give Philip the bill for her new dress. He refuses to pay it.... (full context)

Philip sleeps badly then spends the next afternoon wondering if Mildred will come. After restlessly trying to distract himself with a novel, at last Mildred arrives.... (full context)

Philip asks if Mildred really wants to come with him, and she says, “I don’t mind.” Philip looks at... (full context)

Mildred is surprised and grateful. She asks if it’s OK to tell the news to Griffiths. ... (full context)

...learns that Griffiths has packed his luggage and left. Philip hopes that maybe he’s ditched Mildred, but not long after, Mildred arrives to collect the money Philip promised for her trip... (full context)

...dinner. She is surprised at first, then says, “I don’t mind,” which reminds Philip of Mildred. He takes her to a restaurant he often went with Mildred. (full context)

On Monday, Philip awaits Mildred’s return, and when he’s heard nothing by the evening, he decides to walk over to... (full context)

...a letter in Griffiths handwriting. He begs Philip’s forgiveness, saying he can’t help himself around Mildred. He came back to London on Monday, but she wanted to stay in Oxford until... (full context)

Philip takes a cab to Mildred’s place, but a maid tells him that Mildred left just an hour ago and that... (full context)

...reason to be. Nevertheless, he asks her forgiveness, proceeding to tell the whole story of Mildred. After Philip has finished his story, Norah says that she’s sorry Philip has been through... (full context)

...hurt that Philip has been ignoring him. Ramsden mentions that Griffiths regrets getting involved with Mildred. Apparently, she gotten more attached to him than he wanted. He started trying to avoid... (full context)

...when the bus back is full and he has to wait, he happens to see Mildred. He hadn’t thought of her in a long time. She paces around approaching men and... (full context)

Philip and Mildred take a cab to a building where an old woman leads them to a dark... (full context)

Mildred begins to cry and says she’d do anything to have a different life. Philip is... (full context)

Philip prepares his spare room, where Cronshaw once died, and the next day, Mildred comes to move in. Mildred asks what Philip’s neighbors will say, but he says they... (full context)

The next day, Tuesday, Philip rushes through breakfast to attend a lecture, barely speaking to Mildred. He comes back in the evening and is pleased to have his house full. Mildred... (full context)

...next time. It’s late by the time Philip gets home, and he’s surprised to find Mildred still awake. She says she wasn’t tired and thought she’d stay up to see if... (full context)

A week passes, and Mildred settles in. Philip is a little dismayed when he learns that Mildred lied to his... (full context)

One nice evening, Mildred convinces Philip to take her out for some entertainment, saying they can leave the baby... (full context)

The next morning, Mildred is in a bad mood again. She stays in her room until it’s time to... (full context)

Philip tries to maintain healthy boundaries between himself and Mildred, even as he continues to sometimes take her to the music hall and to grow... (full context)

...Rhodesia. Macalister warns him there’s risk, but Philip is enticed and buys some stocks. Later, Mildred says she doesn’t know anyone who’s ever actually made money on the stock exchange. (full context)

The next day, Philip eagerly checks about the fortune of his stock. Mildred tells him there’s no news, then she reveals that she’s joking and that a telegram... (full context)

...a month, taking the surgery well and occasionally receiving visitors like Athelny, Betty, Lawson, and Mildred. When he recovers, he makes plans to go to Brighton with Mildred in August. (full context)

When Philip and Mildred arrive in Brighton in August, they find the boarding house has only a double room,... (full context)

At the boarding house, Mildred lies to the other guests that she and Philip are married. This trip is the... (full context)

Philip and Mildred return to London, and Philip starts dressing in a surgical ward. He is eventually put... (full context)

Philip’s financial worries grow, in part because Mildred is bad with money. Mildred occasionally goes out for job interviews, but Philip soon realizes... (full context)

Philip decorates his flat for Christmas. While Mildred and Philip are sitting around the fire with the baby, Mildred says Philip hasn’t tried... (full context)

About three weeks later, Mildred’s frustration with Philip comes to a head. At first, she was glad to join Philip... (full context)

Mildred initially wanted to find work to become independent of Philip, but as more time passes,... (full context)

...one evening at the beginning of February when Philip is out late celebrating Lawson’s birthday, Mildred decides that she wants to use Philip’s drunkenness to try to advance their relationship. She... (full context)

Philip wakes the next morning late and rushes out. Mildred doesn’t answer his knocks, so he supposes she’s still mad. He doesn’t like that Mildred... (full context)

When Philip returns to his flat that evening, he finds the whole place wrecked. Mildred took all of her thing and left, slashing his chairs with a knife and smashing... (full context)

...a short letter sent to him at the hospital and addressed to “Phil.” It’s from Mildred, saying she’s in trouble and needs to see Philip immediately. She claims it’s not about... (full context)

Philip heads to the shabby neighborhood where Mildred now lives. She invites him into her small, dirty room. Her voice is hoarse, and... (full context)

Mildred tells Philip she has a rash that won’t go away. He examines her throat and... (full context)

The fear of death that Philip sees in Mildred reminds him of the similar look in William. Mildred offers to take Philip out to... (full context)

Mildred takes her medicine as directed and begins go get better. Philip visits her daily. Mildred... (full context)

...turns to avoid him and the need to have a conversation. Philip also wonders about Mildred and usually tries to avoid streets where he has any possibility of seeing her, except... (full context)

...a strange compassion for all of humanity. In this mood, he forgives even Griffiths and Mildred, thinking of the dying words of Jesus: “Forgive them, for they know not what they... (full context)

...stands. As he walks there, he freezes for a second when he thinks he sees Mildred, and he is both disappointed and relieved when it turns out to be a much... (full context)

Of Human Bondage

Mildred Rogers Character Analysis

Mildred Rogers Quotes in Of Human Bondage

Chapter 55 Quotes

Chapter 58 Quotes

Chapter 68 Quotes

Chapter 73 Quotes

Chapter 76 Quotes

Chapter 80 Quotes

Chapter 95 Quotes

Chapter 101 Quotes

Chapter 120 Quotes

Mildred Rogers Character Timeline in Of Human Bondage