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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. In Chapter 5, upon returning to the sitting room, what does Kitty see?

2. What does Charlie think that Walter would do if he found out about the affair going on between himself and Kitty?

3. Why won't Walter join in singing with others at a party?

4. What is the name of the current Colonial Secretary?

5. What hygiene tip does Charlie give Kitty to help avoid cholera?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe Walter's behavior towards others at the dinner party in Chapter 21.

4. What was different about Maugham's writing process on The Painted Veil compared to his other works?

5. Describe Dorothy Townsend's appearance as given by Kitty in Chapter 3.

6. In Chapter 1, what tools does Charlie use to reassure Kitty and why are they effective?

7. How many reasons does Charlie give for a potentially calm reaction from Walter upon finding out about their rendezvous?

8. Why does Kitty feel her social position is lower in Hong Kong than it was at home in England?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Throughout The Painted Veil, Maugham uses scenic imagery as a metaphor for the plot and character development. Give three specific examples of these metaphors and how they relate specific actions in the plot and/or character development. Discuss why or why not they are effective as literary tools augmenting the general action.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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