In W. Somerset Maugham's "The Painted Veil," the protagonist reflects on the sorrowful and inexplicable nature of crying in her sleep. This experience evokes a sense of tragedy within her, highlighting the deep emotional struggles she faces. The tears shed during sleep suggest a subconscious turmoil, representing unresolved issues and heartache that she may not fully understand.

Such moments of vulnerability resonate with her, as they reveal the fragility of human emotions. The act of crying, typically associated with wakefulness and conscious experiences, takes on a more profound significance when it occurs in the quiet confines of night, emphasizing the weight of her internal battles.