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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. How do the nuns regard Kitty's pregnancy?

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

3. How do the older Chinese orphan girls spend their time at the convent?

4. What does Mother Superior describe as her last sight of France?

5. Who does Waddington live with?

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 Kitty describe Waddington's Manchu mistress?

3. How does Kitty describe the city of Mei-tan-fu as she is carried to Walter's deathbed?

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

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

6. Does Sister St. Joseph want to return to France? Why or why not?

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

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

9. How does Waddington describe Dorothy Townsend?

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 recurrent theme in The Painted Veil is the importance of respect, especially in regard to the character of Kitty. Discuss what Kitty's idea of respect is and how that idea is influenced by secondary characters such as Waddington, Mother Superior, and Dorothy. Discuss how Kitty's idea of respect evolves throughout the novel, using specific textual examples of how this is manifested.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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