# LXXX explained — The Painted Veil

> Chapter companion for The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_painted_veil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters