The Painted Veil · Chapter
LXXX explained
Kitty dines with her father, Mr.
What happens
Kitty dines with her father, Mr. Garstin, who tells her of his wife's death and his new post as Chief Justice of the Bahamas. Initially hesitant, Kitty asks to accompany him, leading to an emotional reconciliation where she seeks his love and forgiveness, and resolves to raise her unborn daughter to be independent and free.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Awakening and Redemption
Kitty acknowledges her past mistakes and seeks to make amends with her father, expressing a desire to raise her daughter differently.
Suffering and Growth
Kitty's suffering has given her a new perspective, leading her to recognize her father's sacrifices and her own past failings.
Self-Deception and Truth
Kitty confronts the truth about her family's treatment of her father and her own former selfishness, seeking honesty in her new life.
Characters to notice
- Kitty Fane
Kitty returns to her father's house, emotionally changed by her suffering, and seeks his love and a new beginning.
- Bernard Garstin
Mr. Garstin, now a widower, has accepted a post as Chief Justice of the Bahamas and initially hesitates to bring Kitty, but ultimately agrees after her heartfelt plea.
- Mrs. Garstin
Deceased; her death and the irony of her never knowing of her husband's appointment are discussed.
- Doris
Mentioned as Kitty's sister, who has a son and lives in London.
Key passages
“I want a girl because I want to bring her up so that she shan't make the mistakes I've made.”
Kitty hopes for a daughter so she can raise her to avoid the same errors she committed.
Kitty expresses her determination to raise her child with independence and self-respect.
“I'm not going to bring a child into the world, and love her, and bring her up, just so that some man may want to sleep with her so much that he's willing to provide her with board and lodging for the rest of her life.”
Kitty rejects the idea of raising a daughter solely to be married off for financial security.
Kitty criticizes the societal expectation of marriage as a financial transaction.
“I have hope and courage. The past is finished; let the dead bury their dead.”
Kitty declares her optimism and resolve to move forward, leaving her past behind.
Kitty embraces a new beginning with hope and determination.