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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. Where does Kitty meet Charlie for the first time?

2. What determines Kitty's social position in Hong Kong?

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

4. How does Mrs. Garstin persuade Mr. Garstin to do something he isn't inclined to do?

5. When discussing their affair, what accusation does Charlie make about Kitty that angers her greatly?

Short Essay Questions

1. After they have been married for some time, why is Kitty surprised Walter ever fell in love with her?

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

3. When Kitty tells Charlie about Walter's ultimatum, what is his response?

4. How does Kitty's love for Charlie initially change her perception of Walter?

5. Walter claims he knew that Kitty had no feelings for him when they married, why did he still want to marry her?

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

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

8. Why does Kitty believe her rendezvous with Charlie at the curio shop are completely safe?

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

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

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

What is W. Somerset Maugham's writing-style? Discuss both the mechanical aspect of his writing and his "voice" throughout the novel. Make sure to discuss what literary tools and devices he relies on most and what specific parts of the text reflect his voice?

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.

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This section contains 825 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample