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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 piece of furniture does Kitty sit on throughout her discussion with Charlie at the curio shop?

2. How old is Mrs. Garstin?

3. What is Mr. Garstin's impression of Walter after talking with him for some time?

4. In Chapter 27, when Kitty returns home what does Kitty tell Walter?

5. How does Mrs. Garstin feel towards Mr. Garstin?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. After Kitty describes Walter's polite and standoffish behavior in Chapter 20, why does Charlie become so confident and happy?

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

4. What pains does Charlie take to maintain his figure?

5. What does Walter find humorous about Kitty's plan to marry Charlie upon her divorce from himself?

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

7. How does Kitty describe Walter's appearance in Chapter 10?

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

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

10. For what reasons does Kitty believe that Charlie remains with his wife?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

In the novel Waddington makes a statement that he enjoys talking to Kitty because,"you (Kitty) and I (Waddington) are the only people here who walk quite quietly and peaceably on solid ground. The nuns walk in heaven and your husband-- in darkness." Explain what Waddington meant by this statement. Do you believe that this is an accurate analogy of the characters. Why or why not?

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