# Sacrifice and Service in The Painted Veil

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

The selfless dedication of the nuns and Walter's work during the cholera epidemic highlight the theme of sacrifice for others, contrasting with Kitty's earlier self-centeredness and inspiring her own transformation.

## Where it surfaces

- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxii): Walter's decision to go to the cholera zone is framed as a selfless act of service, though it is also tinged with a desire for personal martyrdom or punishment.
- [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxvi): Walter's demand that Kitty accompany him to a cholera zone is framed as a test of loyalty and a form of punishment, perverting the ideal of selfless service.
- [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxviii): Waddington describes Walter's selfless work fighting the cholera epidemic, risking his life daily despite his personal turmoil.
- [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xxxix): Waddington describes the nuns' lifelong sacrifice, leaving France forever to serve the poor and sick in Mei-tan-fu.
- [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xli): The Mother Superior and the nuns serve the sick and orphans despite the epidemic, embodying selfless dedication.
- [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlii): The Mother Superior and the nuns dedicate themselves to caring for the sick and orphans despite the danger and limited resources.
- [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlviii): Kitty's persistent offer to help at the convent, despite the dangers of cholera, underscores her growing commitment to selfless service.
- [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlix): Kitty dedicates herself to the care of orphans, performing humble tasks and forcing herself to show affection despite her disgust.
- [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/l): Sister St. Joseph's devotion to the orphans and her acceptance of never seeing her mother again exemplify selfless service.
- [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/li): The Mother Superior and nuns sacrifice their former lives of grandeur to serve the poor and unwanted in Mei-tan-fu.
- [LX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lx): The Mother Superior's story illustrates the sacrifice of personal comfort and family ties for a life of religious service.
- [LXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxii): Walter's overwork and refusal to send for Kitty earlier highlight his self-sacrificing dedication to his medical duties even at the cost of his own health.
- [LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxv): Walter's death in service to the cholera-stricken community and the nuns' gift of a dahlia cross underscore the theme of selfless sacrifice.
- [LXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxvi): Kitty reflects on the nuns' total sacrifice of home, country, love, and freedom for a life of devotion and prayer.
- [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxviii): The Mother Superior speaks of exchanging a trivial life for one of sacrifice and prayer, and Kitty reflects on her own lack of such exalted virtues.

## Links

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