# XLVII explained — The Painted Veil

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

## What happens

After dinner, Kitty observes Walter reading by lamplight, reflecting on their strained relationship. She ponders his earlier confession that he despises himself for loving her, and she feels a growing impatience with his inability to see the triviality of their personal troubles in the face of death and beauty. She wonders if he suffers from a broken heart.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Deception and Truth

Kitty realizes Walter's love was based on an illusion, and his inability to forgive her stems from his own self-deception.

### Suffering and Growth

Kitty begins to see their personal troubles as trivial compared to the sublime and terrifying reality of death, hinting at her moral awakening.

## Character check-ins

### Kitty Fane

Reflects on Walter's words and her own feelings of mortification and impatience.

### Walter Fane

Sits reading, silent and grim; reveals he despises himself for loving Kitty.

## Key lines

> Because I loved you.

Walter says he despises himself because he loved Kitty.

_Walter's confession reveals his deep self-loathing and the pain of his unreciprocated love._

> It’s like reproaching someone who has no ear for music because he’s bored at a symphony concert.

Kitty argues it is unfair to blame her for being frivolous, as she was raised that way.

_Kitty defends her character, suggesting Walter's expectations were misplaced._

> Was it what they called—a broken heart—that he suffered from?

Kitty wonders if Walter is suffering from a broken heart.

_Kitty's sudden insight into Walter's emotional state marks a turning point in her understanding._

## Links

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