Of Human Bondage Setting & Symbolism

Of Human Bondage Objects/Places

Clock

Philip takes a clock from his mother's sitting room after her death, recalling that she once said she liked the clock.

Books

Philip discovers books as a young man growing up in his uncle's restrained home.

Pictures

Philip's mother has pictures taken of herself in the weeks before her death so Phillip will always remember how she looked.

Club Foot

Philip is born with a club foot and is deeply embarrassed by the deformity. This deformity causes Philip to suffer teasing in school, leading him to make the decision to leave school before his final examinations.

Dr. Carey's Watch

Philip's father leaves him a watch, his only inheritance from a father he never knew. Philip sells the watch in order to live in Germany.

Paintings and Drawings

Philip makes many drawings and paintings in his attempt to become a successful artist. A professional artist reviews these works and advices Philip to choose another profession. Some of...
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