——Of Human Bondage by William Somerset Maugham & Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez
In the realm of literature, the human condition has been examined and explored from countless perspectives. Authors like William Somerset Maugham and Gabriel García Márquez have skillfully woven narratives that delve into the depths of relationships, love, and the complexities of human nature. Maugham’s timeless masterpiece “Of Human Bondage” and Márquez’s celebrated novel “Love in the Time of Cholera” stand as two remarkable literary works that share common themes, yet approach them from vastly different angles. As we embark on a comparative study of these two novels, we are invited to explore the diverse manifestations of human bondage and love and the intricate ways they shape and define us.
Both “Of Human Bondage” and “Love in the Time of Cholera” are quintessential examples of novels that unmask the intricacies of human relationships. While Maugham, through his protagonist Philip Carey, seeks to unearth the complexities of bondage, Márquez’s Florentino Ariza gazes into the enigma of love’s endurance. These narratives serve as mirrors that reflect the multifaceted aspects of human emotions, unveiling the triumphs, tribulations, and even the unfulfilled desires that govern our lives.
Maugham’s “Of Human Bondage” traces the tumultuous life of Philip Carey, who navigates through a series of unconventional relationships, grappling with his own insecurities and limitations. His journey sheds light on the different forms of bondage that humans find themselves entangled in—whether it be societal expectations, personal vices, or unrequited love. Maugham’s penetrating exploration of Philip’s hardships invites us to question the boundaries that restrict and constrain individuals, captivating readers with his introspective style and profound understanding of human nature.
On the other hand, Márquez’s “Love in the Time of Cholera” takes a poetic and magical approach to depict the inextinguishable flame of love. Set against the backdrop of a cholera epidemic in an unnamed Caribbean city, this lyrical novel delves into the lives of Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza, who are united by an intense and enduring love. Márquez’s prose, characterized by his famous magical realism, transforms their story into a captivating exploration of love’s tenacity, its ability to overcome time and distance, and its often puzzling and contradictory nature. Through vivid imagery and rich symbolism, Márquez unveils the profound depths of human emotions, challenging the conventional notions of love and its complexities.
While both novels address the profound sensibilities of human connections, they diverge in their narrative styles, thematic explorations, and even cultural contexts. Despite these differences, however, “Of Human Bondage” and “Love in the Time of Cholera” stand as testaments to the universality of human experiences, offering readers a profound understanding of the human condition.
As we embark on this comparative study, we will delve into the thematic similarities and disparities between these two exceptional works. By closely examining the motifs of bondage and love, we will not only appreciate the literary genius of Maugham and Márquez but also gain a deeper insight into the complexities that surround human relationships, the consequences of desire and restraint, and the profound effects they have on the individuals suffering or thriving within them.
Brief Summary of Two Books
Of Human Bondage by William Somerset Maugham
Of Human Bondage by William Somerset Maugham is a classic novel that follows the life of Philip Carey, a young boy with a clubfoot who longs for a sense of purpose and meaning in his life. The story is set in the early 20th century, and it explores themes of love, art, and personal growth.
Philip is orphaned at a young age and is sent to live with his strict and unsympathetic uncle and aunt. Throughout his childhood and adolescent years, he endures bullying and struggles with his disability, which leads him to develop a deep sense of self-doubt and insecurity.
As Philip grows older, he becomes infatuated with Mildred, a manipulative and callous waitress. Despite her mistreatment of him, he remains hopelessly obsessed with her, which leads him into a cycle of emotional torment. This tumultuous relationship serves as a metaphor for Philip’s own internal struggles and his desperate desire to break free from his own “bondage.”
Philip’s path eventually leads him to study art in Paris, where he hopes to find both personal and artistic liberation. However, he soon realizes that he lacks the natural talent required to become a great artist. Discouraged but undeterred, he takes up a career in medicine instead, finding solace in helping others.
Throughout his journey, Philip encounters various influential people, such as Fanny Price, an artist’s model who provides him with guidance and support, and Hayward, a literary critic who becomes a close confidant. These individuals contribute to Philip’s development, shaping his understanding of love, success, and the pursuit of happiness.
Of Human Bondage is a deeply introspective novel that delves into the complexities of human emotion, personal and artistic aspirations, and the struggle for self-acceptance. Through Philip’s experiences, Maugham eloquently explores themes of societal expectations, the search for identity, and the lengths one is willing to go to find meaning and fulfillment in their life.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez
“Love in the Time of Cholera” is a novel by Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez, published in 1985. Set in the late 19th and early 20th century, the story revolves around the themes of love, desire, and the passage of time.
The book centers on the lives of three main characters – Florentino Ariza, Fermina Daza, and Dr. Juvenal Urbino. Florentino falls deeply in love with Fermina at a young age, and they carry on a secret romantic correspondence. However, they are forced to part ways when Fermina’s father discovers their relationship and sends her away to a distant town.
Fermina eventually marries Dr. Urbino, a respected and wealthy doctor. Their marriage is mostly characterized by societal expectations, though they still share a deep bond. Over the years, Florentino remains loyal to his love for Fermina, engaging in countless love affairs but never forgetting her.
Tragedy strikes when Dr. Urbino dies, falling from a ladder while trying to claim a parrot. This event sets the stage for Florentino to finally declare his love for Fermina, after waiting almost fifty years. However, Fermina is initially resistant, struggling with conflicting emotions and the societal expectations placed upon her.
As the narrative unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey through the lives of these characters, exploring themes of love, longing, and the complexities of human relationships. The story is intricately layered, intertwining explicit scenes of passion and intimate moments with broader social and historical events.
“Love in the Time of Cholera” is not only a love story but also a commentary on the nature of love itself. García Márquez uses his signature magical realism to create a rich, vivid world, evoking emotions and capturing the essence of human connection amidst the backdrop of a society plagued by disease, death, and societal constraints.
Comparison between Two Books
Similarities in Fiction Classics
Both “Of Human Bondage” by William Somerset Maugham and “Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel García Márquez are considered fiction classics and share several similarities.
1. Exploration of Human Emotions: Both novels delve deep into the complex and often contradictory nature of human emotions. They vividly portray the ups and downs of love, desire, longing, and the inner turmoil experienced by their respective protagonists.
2. Themes of Love and Obsession: Love takes center stage in both novels. They explore the themes of unrequited love, infatuation, and the enduring power of love that transcends time and external circumstances. Both novels highlight the idea of both love and obsession being driving forces behind human actions.
3. Rich Character Development: Both authors excel in their ability to create multidimensional and relatable characters. They present their protagonists with flaws, complexities, and insecurities that make them more human and authentic. The characters’ growth and development throughout the narratives become key aspects of the storytelling.
4. Captivating Narratives: Maugham and Márquez craft rich and engrossing narratives that keep readers hooked from beginning to end. They masterfully weave together intricate plotlines filled with moments of drama, passion, and unexpected turns. The storytelling techniques employed in both novels contribute to their enduring popularity.
5. Societal and Historical Context: Both books provide a vivid depiction of the societal and historical contexts in which they are set. “Of Human Bondage” explores themes of class, religion, and social expectations in early 20th century England, while “Love in the Time of Cholera” sheds light on the societal norms and traditions of Latin America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
6. Symbolism and Metaphor: Symbolism and metaphor are prevalent in both novels, adding layers of depth and complexity to the storytelling. Maugham and Márquez use these literary devices to convey deeper, underlying meanings and explore themes beyond surface-level narratives.
7. Reflection on the Human Condition: Both novels offer profound insights into the human condition and the complexities of the human experience. They raise introspective questions about love, desire, freedom, self-discovery, and the human struggle for fulfillment and happiness.
In summary, “Of Human Bondage” and “Love in the Time of Cholera” share similarities as fiction classics through their exploration of human emotions, themes of love and obsession, rich character development, captivating narratives, societal and historical contexts, the use of symbolism and metaphor, and reflections on the human condition.
Divergences in Fiction Classics
Of Human Bondage by William Somerset Maugham and Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez are both classic works of fiction that explore complex themes of human relationships, love, and self-discovery. However, there are significant divergences between these two novels in terms of writing style, narrative structure, and the portrayal of love.
In terms of writing style, Maugham’s Of Human Bondage is written in a more traditional prose style, while Márquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera is characterized by the author’s characteristic magical realism. Maugham’s language is precise and introspective, allowing readers to delve deep into the thoughts and emotions of the protagonist, Philip Carey. On the other hand, Márquez’s prose is more poetic and lyrical, often blurring the line between reality and fantasy, creating a dreamlike atmosphere throughout the novel.
Another significant divergence lies in the narrative structure of the two books. Of Human Bondage follows a linear narrative, chronicling Philip Carey’s life from childhood to adulthood in a chronological order. This allows readers to follow the protagonist’s growth and development in a more conventional manner. On the contrary, Love in the Time of Cholera employs a non-linear narrative structure, shifting between different time periods and weaving multiple storylines together. Márquez’s narrative technique mirrors the complexity of love and explores its various dimensions across different stages of life.
The portrayal of love in these novels also diverges. In Of Human Bondage, love is depicted as a complex and often painful experience. Philip Carey’s unrequited love for Mildred Rogers becomes a central theme, showcasing the protagonist’s struggle with addiction and emotional turmoil. Maugham explores the theme of obsession, delving into the destructive nature of unfulfilled desires. On the other hand, Love in the Time of Cholera presents love as a persevering and enduring force. Márquez explores the life-long love between Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza, spanning over decades and transcending societal expectations. The author portrays love as a transformative power that can withstand the test of time and societal constraints.
In conclusion, these two fiction classics, Of Human Bondage and Love in the Time of Cholera, differ in terms of writing style, narrative structure, and the portrayal of love. While Maugham’s novel focuses on the internal struggles of the protagonist and the destructive nature of love, Márquez’s work delves into the magical and enduring qualities of love, presenting it as a force that transcends time and societal norms. Both novels, however, offer insightful and nuanced reflections on the complexities of human relationships and the impact of love on individuals’ lives.
Conclusion
Both “Of Human Bondage” by William Somerset Maugham and “Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel García Márquez are highly acclaimed books, and worth reading for different reasons. It ultimately depends on personal preferences and the themes that appeal to you.
“Of Human Bondage” is a classic bildungsroman that follows the life of Philip Carey, a young man struggling to find his identity and purpose in life. Maugham’s writing is introspective and deeply psychological, exploring themes of love, art, and personal growth. It delves into the complexities of human nature and the search for meaning, making it a thought-provoking read.
On the other hand, “Love in the Time of Cholera” is a love story set in a vividly depicted Caribbean town. Gabriel García Márquez, known for his magical realism, weaves a tale of unrequited love, enduring passion, and the passage of time. His lyrical prose, rich descriptions, and unique storytelling captivate readers, creating a deeply immersive experience. It explores themes such as love, aging, and the fragility of human relationships.
Ultimately, both books offer different experiences and have their own merits. “Of Human Bondage” may appeal to readers seeking a more introspective and philosophical exploration into human nature, while “Love in the Time of Cholera” might attract those who enjoy beautifully crafted prose, magical realism, and immersive storytelling.
