Of Human Bondage (1915) is W. Somerset Maugham’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece that explores the complexities of desire, identity, and self-discovery. The novel follows Philip Carey, an orphan with a clubfoot, as he searches for meaning through various stages of life—from studying art in Paris to pursuing medicine in London. Philip's deep yearning for love and purpose leads him into a destructive and emotionally consuming relationship with Mildred, a cold and manipulative waitress. Through his experiences, Maugham examines themes of human weakness, emotional dependency, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. The novel’s title refers to the idea that people are enslaved by their passions and illusions. Unlike many novels of its time, it eschews traditional plot structures for psychological depth and realism. Maugham’s portrayal of human vulnerability is unflinchingly honest, making Of Human Bondage one of the most powerful coming-of-age novels in English literature.
