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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. Who recited a Protestant burial service for Walter?

2. What experience does Mother Superior recount to Kitty in Chapter 60?

3. How does the Chinese surgeon think that Walter contracted cholera?

4. During Kitty and Waddington's first dinner together, what unexpected mutual acquaintance do they discover?

5. What illness does Walter have, as described in Chapter 62?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does Kitty feel when she realizes she is no longer in love with Charlie?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel Maugham sets forth different views on the purpose of life as given by several characters. Compare and contrast the specific view on the purpose of life by two or more characters. Give specific textual information on how these characters exhibit and come to these views. Also in the conclusion address whether or not Maugham selects one as being THE view on the purpose of life.

Essay Topic 3

Duty is a theme throughout The Painted Veil. Discuss three different character's views of duty and how it is exhibited by their statements and actions. Based on these accounts of duty, does Maugham create an overarching definition of what duty is?

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