The
novel is the story of Philip Carey. The story opens with his
mother dying after childbirth. The nine-year-old Philip
is taken by
his uncle to Blackstable. After spending a few initial years at the
Vicarage, the boy is admitted to King''s School at Tercanbury.
Having a clubfoot, he is ostracized and becomes introverted, but
his intelligence and his aptitude for studies help him academically.
Unable to bear the humiliation and taunts of his fellow students
and the rigid norms of school, he finally quits and goes to
Germany. In Germany, Philip learns new languages, is introduced
to philosophy, and discovers the beauty of nature. His stay in
Heidelberg expands his vision of humanity and life. He graduates
and starts planning his future.
After talking to his uncle, Philip decides to go to London to
become a clerk; however, he discovers after a few months that he
is more inclined toward art than accounting. Taking financial aid
from his aunt, he leaves for Paris to study. The city gives him an
insight into the world of artists and their struggle to exhibit their
talent. At the end of two years, he also discovers that he lacks the
potential to be a great artist. As a result, he leaves Paris and returns
back to Blackstable.
Philip decides to take up his father''s profession of medicine and
enrolls as a student in St. Luke''s hospital. He does not, however,
pursue his goal in earnest because of a waitress named Mildred.
Not caring about her coarse manners or ordinary looks, Philip falls
in love with Mildred and neglects his studies. His love is not
returned, and Mildred deserts Philip to go with her German lover.
Philip overcomes over his disappointment about Mildred and starts
concentrating on his studies. With Norah''s encouragement, he
passes his examinations and looks ahead to his medical future with
hope. His prospects suffer a setback when Mildred enters his life
once again. After her Miller deserts, leaving her pregnant, she
comes to Philip to seek his protection. Philip takes pity on her and
attends to her needs. After the baby is born, he pays her bills and
plans a trip to Paris with her. Mildred, however, is heartless and
mean. After taking financial and emotional support from Philip,
she deserts him to run away with his friend.
Philip forgives Mildred and tries to gather the threads of his life,
but Mildred''s presence haunts him. He rescues her from a world of
shame and poverty and brings her to live with him. He no longer
loves her, but she forces herself on him. When he repulses her
advances, she is enraged. She curses him, damages his property,
and leaves. Her exit precedes his calamity. During the war, his
fortunes drop, and he becomes homeless. His medical studies are
suspended as he struggles for a living.
With Athelny''s help, Philip secures a job as a salesman and is
promoted to designer. Shortly thereafter, his uncle dies and he
inherits enough to continue his medical studies. He acquires a
degree in medicine, and his future looks bright. His desire to travel
urges him to look for a job on the sea. Fate decides otherwise. Due
to a sudden turn of events, he marries Sally and settles down in
Dorcestershire.