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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why doesn't Kitty converse with Sister St. Joseph on her first visit to the convent?

2. What compliment does Mother Superior pay Kitty when she sees her in disarray in Chapter 52?

3. What does Mother Superior describe as her last sight of France?

4. As Kitty and Walter are entering Mei-tan-fu, what do the Chinese servants point out to Kitty?

5. What skill of Walter's does Kitty learn about from the nuns that surprises her?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the first emotional hints that Kitty may be pregnant?

2. How does Kitty describe her first impression of Waddington?

3. How does Kitty describe Mother Superior's appearance?

4. How does Kitty describe Waddington's Manchu mistress?

5. When Kitty asks Waddington about immortality, what is his response?

6. How does Waddington describe Walter?

7. How does Kitty describe her first impression of Sister St. Joseph?

8. How does Waddington describe Charlie Townsend?

9. How does Kitty regard her indiscretion with Townsend?

10. After visiting the convent what type of relationship does Kitty want with Walter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is W. Somerset Maugham's writing-style? Discuss both the mechanical aspect of his writing and his "voice" throughout the novel. Make sure to discuss what literary tools and devices he relies on most and what specific parts of the text reflect his voice?

Essay Topic 2

Early on in the novel, Kitty describes the circumstances leading up to her marriage with Walter. Shortly after the marriage she notes that she became bored and unhappy, however this reflection comes after she is embroiled in an adulterous affair with Charlie. What does this deliberate time-line established by Maugham suggest to the reader about Kitty's impartiality on the subject? Use specific events in her courtship with Walter and in her affair with Charlie to back up your assertions.

Essay Topic 3

The relationship of marriage is evident in several different couples in The Painted Veil. Compare and contrast Kitty and Walter's marriage with Charlie and Dorothy's marriage or Mr. and Mrs. Garstin's marriage. Point out similarities and differences and what those details infer about the characters in those relationships.

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