The Painted Veil · Chapter
LX explained
Kitty reflects on the profound impression the Mother Superior has made on her, noting her grand yet inaccessible character.
What happens
Kitty reflects on the profound impression the Mother Superior has made on her, noting her grand yet inaccessible character. The Mother Superior shares the story of her decision to enter religious life, recounting a tense conversation with her mother and cousins. Kitty observes the nuns' devotion and the Mother Superior's impersonal yet loving nature.
Themes in this chapter
Sacrifice and Service
The Mother Superior's story illustrates the sacrifice of personal comfort and family ties for a life of religious service.
Self-Deception and Truth
The Mother Superior's internal struggle and eventual honest confession to her mother highlight the theme of confronting one's true desires.
Characters to notice
- Kitty Fane
Kitty is deeply impressed by the Mother Superior and reflects on her character and spirituality.
- Mother Superior
The Mother Superior shares her personal story of deciding to enter religious life, revealing her past struggles and her current serene devotion.
- Sister St. Joseph
Mentioned as a contrast to the Mother Superior, being good-humored and chatty.
Key passages
“It is not enough that a religious should be continually in prayer with Jesus; she should be herself a prayer.”
A nun must embody prayer in her entire being, not just engage in it as an activity.
The Mother Superior expresses the ideal of total spiritual devotion.
“There is only one way to win hearts and that is to make oneself like unto those of whom one would be loved.”
To earn love, one must become similar to the people they wish to be loved by.
The Mother Superior explains the principle behind the orphans' adoration for her.