# XXIX explained — The Painted Veil

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

## What happens

On the steamer journey up the Western River, Walter reads incessantly and makes only polite, indifferent conversation with Kitty, treating her like a stranger. Kitty realizes that Walter's ultimatum was a trick to expose Charlie Townsend's selfishness and cowardice. She reflects on Walter's past love and wonders if he still loves her or if he intends her death. She observes his coldness and a look of physical distaste, leading her to question his sanity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Deception and Truth

Kitty acknowledges the truth about Charlie's selfishness and Walter's sardonic trick, yet she still clings to her love for Charlie, revealing her own self-deception.

### Suffering and Growth

Kitty's journey into the cholera-stricken region forces her to confront her fears and the consequences of her actions, setting the stage for potential growth.

### Love and Illusion

Kitty's continued love for Charlie despite his betrayal illustrates the illusion of love, while Walter's past adoration contrasts with his current coldness.

## Character check-ins

### Kitty Fane

Reflects on Walter's motives and her own love for Charlie, observing Walter's cold demeanor and feeling increasingly uncertain about his intentions.

### Walter Fane

Reads incessantly, makes only polite conversation, and shows a look of physical distaste toward Kitty, leading her to question his sanity.

### Charles Townsend

Mentioned in Kitty's thoughts as the selfish and cowardly lover who refused to help her, yet she still loves him.

## Key lines

> In a flash of insight she had told Charlie that Walter had sent her to him with the threat of divorce as the alternative to her accompanying him to the stricken city in order that she might see for herself how indifferent, cowardly and selfish he was.

Kitty suddenly understood that Walter's ultimatum was a trick to make her realize Charlie's true selfish and cowardly nature.

_Kitty's realization about Walter's motive for the ultimatum._

> She had caught in his eyes a disdain which seemed to include her lover as well as herself.

Kitty noticed a look of contempt in Walter's eyes that was directed at both her and Charlie.

_Walter's disdain for both Kitty and Charlie._

> Was it possible that his love had left him entirely? Was it possible that he really designed her death?

Kitty wondered if Walter no longer loved her and if he actually intended for her to die.

_Kitty's fear that Walter might want her dead._

## Links

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