# XLI explained — The Painted Veil

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

## What happens

Kitty meets the Mother Superior at the convent in Mei-tan-fu. She is struck by the Mother Superior's authoritative yet gracious presence, her beauty that has grown with character, and the air of command tempered by Christian charity. They engage in polite conversation about Kitty's journey and life in China, while the epidemic rages outside the convent walls.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sacrifice and Service

The Mother Superior and the nuns serve the sick and orphans despite the epidemic, embodying selfless dedication.

### Class and Social Status

Kitty feels like an awkward schoolgirl next to the Mother Superior, highlighting social and spiritual hierarchies.

## Character check-ins

### Kitty Fane

Kitty meets the Mother Superior and feels like an awkward schoolgirl in her presence.

### Mother Superior

The Mother Superior is described as a woman of authority and Christian charity, with a grave smile and a lively sense of the ridiculous.

### Waddington

Waddington is present, talking nonsense and flirting with Sister St. Joseph, and is known to have helped the convent financially.

### Sister St. Joseph

Sister St. Joseph is laughing and smiling, and has made madeleines for the visitors.

## Key lines

> The most striking thing about her was the air she had of authority tempered by Christian charity; you felt in her the habit of command.

The Mother Superior's commanding presence was softened by her Christian kindness.

_Describes the Mother Superior's unique blend of authority and humility._

> You could not fail to see that she was deeply conscious of the authority of the church which upheld her.

She was clearly aware that her power came from the church.

_Highlights the Mother Superior's reliance on ecclesiastical authority._

## Links

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