The Painted Veil · Question
How does The Painted Veil develop the theme of Class and Social Status?
Answer
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham develops Class and Social Status across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative critiques the obsession with social climbing and appearances, embodied by Mrs. Garstin's ambitions and Kitty's initial preoccupation with marrying well, and shows the emptiness of such pursuits.
Kitty obsesses over social standing, comparing her family's status to Dorothy Townsend's.
Kitty's discontent with her lowered social standing in Hong Kong highlights the rigid class distinctions and the importance of status in colonial society.
Mrs. Garstin's relentless pursuit of social advancement through her husband's career and her manipulation of social connections.
Evidence in the book
- III
Kitty obsesses over social standing, comparing her family's status to Dorothy Townsend's.
- IV
Kitty's discontent with her lowered social standing in Hong Kong highlights the rigid class distinctions and the importance of status in colonial society.
- VII
Mrs. Garstin's relentless pursuit of social advancement through her husband's career and her manipulation of social connections.
- VIII
The narrative emphasizes class distinctions, with Mrs. Garstin lowering her standards from titled gentlemen to professional men, and the value placed on titles like baronet.
- X
Walter's position as a bacteriologist in Hong Kong and Kitty's assessment of his suitability reflect class and career considerations in marriage.
- XXXV
Waddington contrasts Townsend's popular charm with Dorothy's breeding, highlighting social hierarchies in the colony.
- XLI
Kitty feels like an awkward schoolgirl next to the Mother Superior, highlighting social and spiritual hierarchies.
- LXXI
Dorothy's initial disdain for Kitty's perceived vulgarity and her later admiration reflect social judgments and the performance of status.
