Quest of the Spirit: From Suffering to Acceptance

127. Alien Forces Within: Maugham's Of Human Bondage !

                      Of Human Bondage: Acceptance & Forgiveness as Foundation for Growth

         "He considered with some irony the philosophy which he had developed for himself, for it had not been of much use to him in the conjuncture he had passed through; and he wondered whether thought really helped a man in any of the critical affairs of life: it seemed to him rather that he was swayed by some power alien to and yet within himself which urged him like that great wind of Hell which drove Paolo and Francesca ceaselessly on. He thought of what he was going to do and, when the time came to act, he was powerless in the grasp of instincts, emotions, he knew not what. He acted as though he were a machine driven by two forces of his environment and his personality; his reason was somewhat looking on, observing the facts but powerless to interfere: it was like those gods of Epicurus, who saw the doings of men from their empyrean heights and had no might to alter one smallest particle of what occurred" (Maugham 355-356). This passage from W. Somerset Maugham's Of Human Bondage maintains that human behavior is predetermined by instincts and impulses which supersede the ability of reason or free will. Like Butler's The Way of All Flesh, Maugham suggests a philosophy of acceptance and forgiveness as the foundation for spiritual and emotional growth (562). According to the author's persona Philip Carey, this awareness of mankind's imperfections denotes the initial phase of self-fulfillment or individuation. For instance, the scorn the hero suffers as the result of his own physical deformity ironically enables him to understand the weaknesses of others (561). Thus, from this realization, the protagonist senses a greater appreciation for the ideal as he contrasts it with what is real. Maugham uses this Platonic paradox of imperfection inspiring perfection to motivate the main character in his spiritual quest, as he struggles to discern truth from illusion, or appearance from reality. On his journey, the hero undergoes conflicts which challenge his traditional beliefs and compel him to make individual choices. Psychologically, in each encounter, the protagonist must experience of type of separation, transformation, and return as he grows and adapts. These decisions represent a symbolic death-and-rebirth which further contributes to the character's development. Maugham describes this coming-of-age in religious terms when he juxtaposes Carey's ultimate awareness with Christ's final admonition to forgive His accusers because of their ignorance. Speaking through Carey, the author refers to his hero's final phase of Carey's social and emotional maturity: "At this moment he could feel a holy compassion for them all. They were the helpless instruments of blind chance . . . They could not help themselves. The only reasonable thing was to accept the good of men and be patient with their faults. The word of the dying Christ crossed his memory: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do'" (562). Maugham's biblical allusion, in this context, draws a correlation between the main character's struggle toward a new perception involving the spiritual process of loss-and-redemption. To support his theme of appearance versus reality, the author uses irony and contrasts.

              From the story's inception, the protagonist encounters obstacles beyond his understanding. As an orphan, Philip goes to live with his uncle and aunt at Blackstable, some twenty miles from London. The young hero's first conflicts commence with his Uncle William Carey, Vicar of Blackstable. The vicar feels no patience or compassion for young Carey or his parents (5). A stern disciplinarian (21), the clergyman severely reprimands the youth when he fails to memorize his Bible verses and dares to play on Sunday (22). When falsely accused of keeping his uncle awake by making noises, Phillip cries loudly, yet the vicar, instead of relenting, forbids him from going to church because he has been so wicked (25). In essence, William Carey refuses to acknowledge his nephew's fragile appeal for love and acceptance; whereas, Philip, bored with his uncle's sermons (19), retreats into the imaginary world of books (27) and ultimately becomes disillusioned with the hypocritical minister who professes charity, yet shows none. According to Maugham, "As he grew up he had learned to know his uncle; Philip was downright and intolerant, and he could not understand that a man might sincerely say things as a clergyman which he never acted up to as a man. The deception outraged him. His uncle was a weak and selfish man, whose chief desire it was to be saved trouble" (70). Philip must discern between the appearance of holiness and the reality of its existence in a corrupt world. In his quest, Philip continually struggles to differentiate between the real and the ideal, words that Maugham uses repeatedly throughout the narrative. Maugham contrasts the Philip's youthful innocence and creativity with the rigid formalism of the vicar. The author creates the image of a frail, lonely orphan reaching out for acceptance in a cold and indifferent environment. Years later, when the aged clergyman is on his deathbed, Philip recalls his calm and peaceful demeanor in facing the hereafter. Ironically, it is at this point that the protagonist realizes his uncle's faith and sincerity (513). This awareness denotes a significant phase in the hero's transformation.