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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. What physical feature of Waddington's mistress suggests fine breeding to Kitty?

2. When Kitty finds herself suffering nausea and vomits, what causes her to faint?

3. Who does Waddington live with?

4. What work does Walter quote with his last words?

5. What crime is Colonel Yu trying desperately to prevent in Mei-tan-fu?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Waddington describe Walter?

3. What does Sister St. Joseph think about Waddington?

4. After visiting the convent what type of relationship does Kitty want with Walter?

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

6. How does Waddington describe Dorothy Townsend?

7. How does Kitty describe her first impression of Waddington?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the importance of setting within The Painted Veil. Make sure to discuss at least three different settings and how the descriptions of those settings are integral in the development of themes and characters.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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