BOOKS: Of Human Bondage

Bette Davis and Leslie Howard, Of Human Bondage (1934)

British writer William Somerset Maugham would live for many years in search of his calling, his identity and a place he belonged. He explored many professions doctor, spy and writer and traveled to many places including North America, the Far East and the South Seas. His life alone is an interesting study. In 1915 he published, "Of Human Bondage," a thinly veiled autobiographical account of his life and his philosophy. Maugham lived an unconventional life in a time of literary constraint so the reader needs to approach "Of Human Bondage" with an eye to symbolism and allegory. The symbolism is not difficult to unravel as the characters and their struggles closely mirror Maugham's own experiences and inner life. Before reading this grand soap opera of a novel it is best to become acquainted with the details of Maugham's life. In the novel the protaginist Philip Carey's tortured affairs with women mirror Maugham's real life affairs with affairs with men. A topic he could not bring to light in 1915 especially after the trial of Oscar Wilde. "Of Human Bondage" is a big book with hundreds of characters. Even through all the symbolic translation the pain of Maugham's amours was transferred intact. But why read a soap opera of a novel written almost 95 years ago__ when there are thousands of such novels published every year. Because Maugham was a writer to learn from, one who packed his stories with profound insights and ideas. "Of Human Bondage" is literature not pulp. In it one can find hidden ideas about religion, politics, morality, sexuality and art. These themes are not difficult to unearth as Maugham's writing is simple and straight forward. In 1934 the book was adopted into beautifully scored and well acted film starring Bette Davies and Leslie Howard.