An Analysis of Orientalism in The Painted Veil

Abstract

Maugham William Somerset (1874~1965), gains reputation and position in literature with his sophisticated skills and unique style in telling exotic stories. The Painted Veil came into being after Maugham paid a short four-month visit to Hong Kong and some places in mainland China. The novel tells an unconventional love story between a British couple who moved to colonial China. Through detailed textual analysis, this thesis aims to take Maugham’s The Painted Veil as the object of analysis and Edward Said’s Orientalism as theoretical support to achieve the goal of revealing Maugham’s Orientalist attitudes towards China. 

The thesis has four chapters. Chapter One gives introduction to the author Maugham, his book The Painted Veil and Edward Said’s Orientalism. All three elements are indispensable parts that have made up the analysis. Previous studies at home and abroad concerning Maugham have also been taken good use of. Chapter Two illustrates Maugham’s yearning towards a glorious ancient China. Having felt like an outsider in the western society, Maugham came to China in search of comfort. Chapter Three analyzes how Maugham constructs the image of China as the inferior Other. Chapter Four focuses on the image of Britain as the superior Self. In the novel, Chinese people are not only largely marginalized but also depicted as a barbaric race, how Chinese society is pictured as chaotic and needs salvation from the West. What stands in striking contrast is the portrayal of British people. The conclusion indicates that Maugham, though regarded as a writer with anti-colonialist spirit, is still influenced by widespread imperialist attitudes. This is why the author hopes to promote equal cultural exchange and a sensible attitude towards different cultures.

Key words: Maugham; The Painted Veil; Orientalism; the Other; the Self