The Painted Veil (novel)

The Painted Veil is a novel by British author Somerset Maugham, first published in 1925. It is set in the British Empire in the 1920s and tells the story of a young woman named Kitty Fane whose adulterous affair leads her on a journey of personal growth and redemption. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and the search for meaning in life.

Plot Summary

The story begins with Kitty Fane, who is living in Hong Kong with her husband, Walter Fane, a bacteriologist. Kitty has an affair with Charles Townsend, a charming but shallow assistant colonial secretary. When Walter discovers the affair, he offers Kitty a choice: accompany him to a remote village in China where he has volunteered to treat victims of a cholera epidemic, or face a public divorce. Kitty chooses to go with Walter to avoid the scandal.

In the village, Kitty is confronted with the realities of life and death, and she begins to see her husband in a new light. Walter is dedicated to his work and the people he is trying to help, and Kitty realizes the depth of his character and the superficiality of her own values. Through her experiences in the village, Kitty undergoes a profound personal transformation. She learns to appreciate the complexities of life and the importance of genuine love and commitment.

As the story unfolds, Kitty also encounters Waddington, a British deputy commissioner who lives a hedonistic life with his Chinese mistress. Waddington provides Kitty with a different perspective on life and helps her understand the value of finding one's own path.

The novel reaches its climax as the cholera epidemic comes under control, and Kitty must decide what to do with her life. She has grown to respect and care for Walter, but it is too late for their marriage. Walter contracts cholera and dies, leaving Kitty pregnant and alone.

In the end, Kitty returns to Europe, where she seeks reconciliation with her family and begins to build a new life for herself and her child, having learned the importance of self-respect and the value of serving others.

Themes

The Painted Veil explores several themes, including the nature of love, the consequences of infidelity, the search for meaning in life, and the possibility of redemption. The novel also examines the clash between Eastern and Western cultures and the impact of colonialism.

Reception

Upon its release, The Painted Veil received mixed reviews but has since been recognized as one of Maugham's major works. It has been praised for its insightful exploration of human nature and its vivid portrayal of life in the British Empire.

Adaptations

The Painted Veil has been adapted into several films, including a 1934 version starring Greta Garbo and Herbert Marshall, and a 2006 version starring Naomi Watts and Edward Norton. The novel has also been adapted for radio and stage.

See Also

• British literature
• Colonialism in literature
• Cholera in literature