Closer to books – farther from people
Since childhood Philip likes to read; it is in books that he forgets about reality. First, his love of books began with watching pictures in books about animals, later it were children books about religion. When he grew up a little, he started reading adventure novels. In the books, Philip tried to find a secret meaning of life, even subconsciously he tried to find the answers for questions like why he is crippled? Or why left alone without parents? And the deeper his interest became the more distant he grew from reality. Only in the very end, when he decided to marry and start his own family, Philip understands that the meaning of life is in life itself.
Sober reality
After his travels in Germany, Philip returned back to Blackstable, where he met Miss Wilkinson. She is almost thirty years old, very cutesy and coquettish. Philip does not like her at first at all, but later a love affair occurred between them. In his letter to Hayward, Philip describes this affair very romantically, in all the traditions of romantic novels. But reality is far from his illusions, Miss Wilkinson started irritate him more and more, and he sighed with relief when she finally left.
From obsession to pity
Philip has had a strong obsession with the girl named Mildred; she was using him as she liked. But his deep love to help and be with her made him blind, he continued to please her even when it led him into bankruptcy. But finally enlightenment happened and Philip saw all the faults of Mildred in new light. Life does not stand in one place, as well as a person’s development. Philip has lived through many misfortunes to understand and comprehend real values of live. The first impression is not the last one as many might say, and Philip’s obsession towards Mildred turned into sorrow, pity, and even disgust.
