# Chapter XXVII explained — The Painted Veil

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

## What happens

Kitty returns home and informs Walter that she will accompany him to the cholera-stricken region. Walter's indifferent response prompts a bitter, flippant remark from Kitty about packing only summer clothes and a shroud, revealing her despair and defiance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Growth

Kitty's decision to accompany Walter to a dangerous region marks the beginning of her journey through suffering, which may lead to personal growth.

### Self-Deception and Truth

Kitty's flippant remark about a shroud reveals her self-awareness of her dire situation, yet she masks her true despair with bravado.

## Character check-ins

### Kitty Fane

Kitty, wretched and humiliated, tells Walter she will go with him to Mei-tan-fu and makes a bitter joke about packing a shroud.

### Walter Fane

Walter is home, gives instructions to a servant, and responds with cold indifference to Kitty's decision, angered by her flippancy.

## Key lines

> I suppose I needn’t take more than a few summer things and a shroud, need I?

Kitty sarcastically suggests she only needs summer clothes and a burial shroud for the journey.

_This bitter joke underscores Kitty's despair and her attempt to provoke a reaction from Walter._

## Links

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