The Painted Veil · Chapter
LXIV explained
At dawn, Kitty and Waddington return to the bungalow after Walter's death.
What happens
At dawn, Kitty and Waddington return to the bungalow after Walter's death. Kitty refuses to lie down and instead sits at the window, finding solace in the familiar view of the temple. Waddington prepares to make burial arrangements.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Growth
Kitty's refusal to lie down and her choice to sit at the window, gazing at the temple, suggests a quiet endurance and a search for meaning after Walter's death.
Characters to notice
- Kitty Fane
Returns to the bungalow at dawn after Walter's death, refuses to rest, and sits at the window seeking comfort in the temple view.
- Waddington
Accompanies Kitty back to the bungalow, offers her tea, and arranges for Walter's burial.
Key passages
“Dawn was breaking now, and here and there a Chinaman was taking down the shutters of his shop.”
As morning arrived, a few Chinese shopkeepers began opening their businesses.
Sets the scene of a new day beginning in the aftermath of Walter's death.
“The sun shone from an unclouded sky. It shone as though this were a day like another and nothing had happened to distinguish it from its fellows.”
The sun rose brightly, indifferent to the tragedy that had just occurred.
Highlights the contrast between the natural world's indifference and human grief.