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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 does Kitty think that Walter will allow a divorce if he was to find out about the affair?

2. What is the first thing to startle Kitty in the beginning of Chapter 1?

3. Where does Kitty meet Charlie for the first time?

4. Where do Charlie and Kitty usually meet?

5. After Kitty and Charlie consummate their affair, how does she feel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Mr.Garstin's appearance as noted by Kitty in Chapter 6.

2. What two physical attributes are described of Doris in Chapter 8?

3. Walter claims he knew that Kitty had no feelings for him when they married, why did he still want to marry her?

4. How does Kitty's love for Charlie initially change her perception of Walter?

5. How does her affair with Charlie affect Kitty's appearance?

6. What two attributes does Mrs.Garstin display in the way she arranges her dinner parties?

7. How does Kitty describe Walter's appearance in Chapter 10?

8. Once they are married, what daily habits does Walter display that shows his affection for Kitty?

9. After Kitty describes Walter's polite and standoffish behavior in Chapter 20, why does Charlie become so confident and happy?

10. Why is Mr.Garstin reluctant to take silk and become a K.C.?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Kitty meets Waddington's mistress she contemplates afterward that "the beliefs and the ideals of the West seemed crude beside ideals and beliefs of which in this exquisite creature she seemed to catch a fugitive glimpse." How does this statement reflect an overarching theme between the relationship between West vs. East as portrayed in The Painted Veil?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel we only receive third-person information about Walter. Using specific descriptions from Kitty and others of Walter, discuss his development as a character. Be sure to reference how his actions in the plot, his dialogue and these third-person descriptions of his emotions and physical appearance support your conclusion.

Essay Topic 3

One of the strongest literary tools employed by Maugham in The Painted Veil is the use of irony. Give examples of where Maugham has employed verbal or situational irony and discuss in detail how this use of irony has furthered the plot, developed characters, or strengthened a theme.

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