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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. After being startled in Chapter 1, what item does Charlie give Kitty?

2. When Kitty calls Charlie at the end of Chapter 5, what does he advise her?

3. Why is Kitty initially surprised by Walter's proposal of marriage?

4. What item does Charlie leave downstairs during his rendezvous with Kitty in Chapter 1?

5. How old is Mrs. Garstin?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reasons does Charlie give for wanting to remain married to Dorothy?

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

3. What is the view from Kitty's home in Happy Valley?

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

5. When Walter returns home, what clues lead Kitty to believe he knows about her affair?

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

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

8. Describe Charlie Townsend and why Kitty is initially attracted to him when she meets him at the social function.

9. When Walter first tells Kitty about going to Mei-tan-fu, what reasons does she give for not wanting to accompany him?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the preface Maugham discusses how he was inspired by a plot line in Dante's Purgatorio due to its modern elements. Do you agree or disagree with the statement that: The Painted Veil is a modern plot? Specifically discuss why or why not it is relevant and applicable to today's society and if it is accessible to the reader.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel Kitty's views of Charlie change drastically, however, Charlie's views of Kitty remain somewhat the same. Discuss the dichotomy of how these views differ and how they reflect upon the character that holds them.

Essay Topic 3

At the conclusion of the novel Kitty emerges a very different character from the way she is portrayed in the beginning. Through the development of her character is Maugham setting forth a moral or just bringing up different themes? Take one standpoint and defend your assertions with textual evidence.

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