# Class and Social Status in The Painted Veil

> Theme guide for The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/iii): Kitty obsesses over social standing, comparing her family's status to Dorothy Townsend's.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/vii): Mrs. Garstin's relentless pursuit of social advancement through her husband's career and her manipulation of social connections.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxv): Waddington contrasts Townsend's popular charm with Dorothy's breeding, highlighting social hierarchies in the colony.
- [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xli): Kitty feels like an awkward schoolgirl next to the Mother Superior, highlighting social and spiritual hierarchies.
- [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxi): Dorothy's initial disdain for Kitty's perceived vulgarity and her later admiration reflect social judgments and the performance of status.
- [LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxii): The contrast between the Townsends' luxurious home and the missionary bungalow highlights the social and material divide.
- [LXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxiv): The colonial elite treat Kitty as a precious object, emphasizing the importance of social standing and propriety in her recovery.
- [LXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxxix): Mrs. Garstin's lifelong ambition for social standing is shown as 'base and unworthy' in death, highlighting the emptiness of such pursuits.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/themes/class_and_social_status
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/themes