# XXXV explained — The Painted Veil

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

## What happens

Kitty, alone with Waddington, steers the conversation toward Charles Townsend. Waddington reveals his true opinion of Townsend, describing him as charming but insincere, self-centered, and not particularly clever. He praises Townsend's wife, Dorothy, as the real source of his success. Kitty listens, hiding her emotions while turning her wedding ring.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Deception and Truth

Kitty pretends Townsend is a mere acquaintance while Waddington exposes his true nature, challenging her self-deception.

### Class and Social Status

Waddington contrasts Townsend's popular charm with Dorothy's breeding, highlighting social hierarchies in the colony.

## Character check-ins

### Kitty Fane

Initiates conversation about Townsend, feigns casual interest while hiding her emotional turmoil.

### Waddington

Offers a candid, critical assessment of Townsend's character and abilities.

### Charles Townsend

Discussed at length; portrayed as charming but self-serving and unintelligent.

### Dorothy Townsend

Praised by Waddington as able and well-bred, the real brains behind Townsend's success.

## Key lines

> I never much cared for him. I've always thought him a bore.

Waddington admits he never liked Townsend and found him dull.

_Waddington's blunt dismissal of Townsend's charm._

> Charm and nothing but charm at last grows a little tiresome, I think.

Waddington suggests that pure charm eventually becomes irritating.

_Critique of Townsend's superficial appeal._

> He has his little flirtations, but they're not serious. He's much too cunning to let them go to such lengths as might cause him inconvenience.

Waddington says Townsend's affairs are trivial and he avoids serious entanglements.

_Reveals Townsend's calculated approach to relationships._

## Links

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