# Love and Marriage in Indian Summer

> Theme guide for Indian Summer by William Dean Howells.

Romantic relationships are central, including Colville's past jilting, his evolving feelings for Mrs. Bowen, and Imogene's idealistic but misguided attachment to him, highlighting the complexities of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations.

## Where it surfaces

- [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_summer_se/chapters/xiv): The chapter centers on the declaration of love between Colville and Imogene, leading to a tentative understanding that foreshadows a potential marriage.
- [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_summer_se/chapters/xv): The chapter formalizes Colville and Imogene's understanding, but the engagement is marked by tension, guilt, and a lack of genuine joy.
- [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_summer_se/chapters/xvi): The chapter centers on the negotiation of Colville and Imogene's engagement, including the roles of propriety, family approval, and secrecy.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_summer_se/chapters/xxi): The chapter centers on the dissolution of an engagement due to Imogene's realization that she does not love Colville, exploring the moral and emotional complexities of marriage without love.
- [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_summer_se/chapters/xxii): Colville's confession of love for Mrs. Bowen and the moral complexities surrounding his broken engagement and potential new attachment.
- [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_summer_se/chapters/xxiii): Colville proposes to Mrs. Bowen, but she refuses despite mutual love, highlighting the complications of marriage and romantic commitment.
- [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_summer_se/chapters/xxiv): The chapter culminates in Colville and Mrs. Bowen's marriage, blending civil and religious rites, and reflects on the complexities of their union.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_summer_se/themes/love_and_marriage
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_summer_se/themes