# XLIII explained — The Painted Veil

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

## What happens

Kitty visits the convent chapel with the Mother Superior and Waddington, observing the garish decorations and learning about the miraculous statue. She sees the newborn babies and is moved by the Mother Superior's praise of Walter, leaving in tears.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Growth

Kitty's emotional response to the Mother Superior's words and the sight of the babies reflects her growing awareness and inner turmoil.

### Self-Deception and Truth

Kitty's tears and inability to explain her feelings suggest a confrontation with her own guilt and the truth of her marriage.

## Character check-ins

### Kitty Fane

Visits the convent chapel, sees the babies, and is emotionally overwhelmed by the Mother Superior's words about Walter.

### Mother Superior

Leads the tour of the chapel, discusses the miraculous statue and the altarpiece, and praises Walter's work.

### Waddington

Accompanies Kitty on the visit, observes with amusement, and later notices Kitty's tears.

### Sister St. Joseph

Shows the babies and comments on Walter's fondness for them.

## Key lines

> The chapel was no more than a long low room with whitewashed walls and rows of deal benches; at the end was the altar on which stood the image; it was in plaster of Paris painted in crude colours; it was very bright and new and garish.

The chapel was a simple, narrow room with white walls and wooden benches, featuring a brightly painted plaster statue that looked cheap and tacky.

_Describes the humble and unattractive appearance of the convent chapel._

> Everything that can be broken is broken when it comes here, but the statue presented to us by our benefactor came from Paris without so much as the smallest chip. There is no doubt that it was a miracle.

The Mother Superior claims that the statue survived the journey from Paris intact, which she considers a miracle, as most things break upon arrival.

_Highlights the Mother Superior's faith and the perceived miraculous nature of the statue._

> They looked hardly human; queer animals of an unknown species, and yet there was something singularly moving in the sight.

The babies appeared almost inhuman, like strange creatures, but still evoked a deep emotional response.

_Captures Kitty's mixed feelings of strangeness and tenderness toward the infants._

> You do not know how kind and helpful your husband has been to us. He has been sent to us by Heaven. I am glad that you came with him. When he goes home it must be a great comfort to him to have you there with your love and your⁠—your sweet face.

The Mother Superior praises Walter's work and tells Kitty that her presence and affection must be a comfort to him.

_The Mother Superior's words deeply affect Kitty, highlighting her guilt and the contrast between her and Walter._

## Links

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