Excerpt from a novel by W. Somerset Maugham, “Of Human Bondage” Copyright 1915
Context: Philip, an entitled student was surprised at the ingratitude of his teacher, Monsieur Ducroz, when he gave him a ten-mark instead of eighteen pence, the usual pay. He felt pity for the old man who appeared ill and broken-spirited.
Place: A study in Heidelberg, Germany
Time: 1840’s
He (Philip) was taken aback to find that the old teacher accepted the present as though it was his due. He was so young, he did not realize how much less is the sense of obligation in those who receive favours than in those who grant them.
A few days later Philip’s teacher returned to give his pupil his lesson. Before he left, he spoke the following.
If it hadn’t been for the money you gave me I should have starved. It was all I had to live on.
On Tiffany Creek 