The Painted Veil · Chapter
LIII explained
Kitty and Waddington visit a Buddhist monastery outside Mei-tan-fu.
What happens
Kitty and Waddington visit a Buddhist monastery outside Mei-tan-fu. Kitty enjoys a rare day of rest from her work at the convent, and they explore the decaying temples and statues. The experience evokes a sense of melancholy and the decline of faith.
Themes in this chapter
East vs. West
Kitty, a Westerner, observes the fading Buddhist faith and decaying monastery, highlighting the contrast between Eastern spirituality and Western modernity.
Suffering and Growth
Kitty's reflective mood during the outing suggests her ongoing inner transformation, finding moments of peace amid the grim realities of Mei-tan-fu.
Characters to notice
- Kitty Fane
Takes a day off from convent work to visit a Buddhist monastery with Waddington; reflects on the decay of faith and the beauty of the countryside.
- Waddington
Arranges the outing to the monastery; accompanies Kitty and shares in the quiet, reflective atmosphere.
- Mother Superior
Mentioned as insisting Kitty must rest on Sundays, allowing her to take the day off.
- Walter Fane
Noted as being busy as usual on Sundays, unable to join the outing.
Key passages
“In the sanctuary sat the Buddha, remote and sad, wistful, abstracted and faintly smiling.”
The Buddha statue appeared distant and sorrowful, lost in thought with a subtle smile.
Kitty's perception of the Buddha reflects the melancholy atmosphere of the monastery.
“The monks seemed to stay on sufference, as though they awaited a notice to quit; and in the smile of the abbot, with his beautiful politeness, was the irony of resignation.”
The monks appeared to remain only temporarily, as if expecting to be evicted, and the abbot's courteous smile held a bitter acceptance.
Highlights the sense of decline and inevitability surrounding the monastery.