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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 Walter discovers that Kitty is pregnant what does he offer her?

2. How do the nuns regard Kitty's pregnancy?

3. How does Kitty find the streets of Mei-tan-fu on her way to the convent?

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

5. What happened to the Missionary who was the previous occupant of the bungalow?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Waddington describe Walter?

2. After visiting the convent, why does Kitty feel so unhappy back at the bungalow.

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

4. How does Waddington try and comfort Kitty about Walter's death?

5. How does Waddington describe his religious views to Kitty?

6. How does Kitty describe the chapel at the convent?

7. As Waddington tells Kitty about Chinese history and novels, how does Kitty's perception of the Chinese change?

8. After Mother Superior agrees to let Kitty work in the convent, what advice does she give her?

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

10. What are Kitty's initial feelings towards the young orphan children and do her feelings change over time?

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

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

Discuss the dramatic structure of The Painted Veil. Use textual evidence to designate the expository, rising action, the climax, falling action and denouement.

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