A Study of Representation of Chinese Culture in W. Somerset Maugham’s The Painted Veil

Abstract

This paper analyzes W. Somerset Maugham’s “The Painted Veil” from the perspective of image studies and its representation of Chinese culture. The importance of cultural representation in literature is discussed, and the research question is posed: how does Maugham represent China and its culture in his novel? The study examines the relationship between image studies and literature, with a focus on Maugham’s portrayal of Chinese people and customs, as well as the themes related to Chinese culture in the novel. A comparison is made with other works of Maugham and other authors representing China and its culture, and the similarities and differences are discussed. The paper concludes a summary of the main points negative view of Chinese culture, highlighting issues such as hypocrisy, decadence, gender discrimination, and cultural clashes within Chinese society and an evaluation of Maugham’s representation of China and its culture, as well as its implications for literature and cultural representation.