# XLIV explained — The Painted Veil

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

## What happens

Alone in the dead missionary's parlour, Kitty reflects on her visit to the convent, which has deeply moved her. She is struck by the nuns' praise of Walter's competence, thoughtfulness, and tenderness, and she begins to see his worth, contrasting it with her continued love for the worthless Charles Townsend. She feels a sense of emptiness and self-contempt for having despised Walter's love.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moral Awakening and Redemption

Kitty begins to see Walter's true worth and her own blindness, marking a step in her moral awakening.

### Self-Deception and Truth

Kitty confronts her self-deception about Charles Townsend and her contempt for Walter, moving toward truth.

## Character check-ins

### Kitty Fane

Reflects on her visit to the convent and her feelings about Walter and Charles.

### Walter Fane

Praised by the nuns for his thoughtfulness, tenderness, and competence; Kitty begins to recognize his merit.

### Charles Townsend

Kitty rates him as worthless but still loves him.

### Waddington

Mentioned as having told Kitty about Walter's work and as not liking Walter.

### Sister St. Joseph

Opened the infirmary door, revealing ghastly sounds; spoke of Walter with praise.

## Key lines

> She would never have believed that this visit to the convent could so have moved her.

Kitty is surprised by the profound emotional impact of her convent visit.

_Highlights the transformative effect of the experience._

> She knew now how immense was his capacity for loving; in some odd way he was pouring it out on these wretched sick who had only him to look to.

Kitty realizes Walter's great love is now directed toward the suffering patients.

_Shows Kitty's growing understanding of Walter's character._

> If she could only tear from her heart the love that still lingered there!

Kitty wishes she could rid herself of her lingering love for Charles.

_Illustrates her internal conflict between reason and emotion._

## Links

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