Of Human Bondage Group

Question:

yumyumughs
yumyumughs
Student
High School - 11th Grade

While reading the novel, I wanted to know what determines one's social position as an insider or outsider in society within the novel?

While reading, I noticed an insider/outsider theme in the novel. At times I understand why Philip may be considered as an outsider(his deformity) and at times I don't understand why he's considered as an insider. There are other supporting characters Philip view with awe, but I don't specifically understand why those characters were seen as insiders of society.

 

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Posted by yumyumughs on Friday August 28, 2009 at 7:52 PM and tagged with characters, of human bondage, theme.

Answers:


  1. akannan Teacher
    Middle School

    eNotes Editor

    One element that Phillip discovers about ascension in the English social order is the underlying premise of hypocrisy and in-authenticity.  The social order that deems "insider" or "outsider" is not one predicated on anything other than the forces of popularity.  If one has money, established wealth, beauty, and charisma, these elements help.  Very little in way of character or belief systems seem to matter within such a system.  Philip's deformity or impaired leg seems to be an obvious defect within him.  Yet, this is similar to the emotional and internal defects that others in society possess.  Over the course of his experiences, Philip begins to understand that the "insiders" within the social order need not be looked at with awe or a sense of accomplishment, as he gains more insight into their shallowness, phoniness, and self serving nature.  Towards the end of the novel, Philip sees little difference between "insider" and "outsider" and understands the desire for social acceptance and ascendancy as one of the   components "of human bondage."

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/human-bondage-qn/social-concerns

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    Posted by akannan on Saturday August 29, 2009 at 5:15 AM