Summer · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Summer by Edith Wharton.
Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.
Chapter 1
I
Charity Royall steps out of lawyer Royall's house in North Dormer on a June afternoon and notices a stranger in city clothes. She reflects on her confinement in the isolated village, recalling a trip to Nettleton that opened her eyes to the wider world. Entering the Hatchard Memorial Library where she works, she encounters the stranger, Lucius Harney, an architect searching for old houses. Their awkward conversation reveals Charity's ignorance and her growing discontent with her life.
Chapter 2
II
Charity Royall reflects on her past and her relationship with her guardian, Lawyer Royall, after a brief encounter with Lucius Harney at the library. She recalls how she came to live with the Royalls, her decision to stay in North Dormer rather than attend boarding school, and a troubling incident with Mr. Royall. Seeking independence, she becomes the librarian at the Hatchard Memorial Library.
Chapter 3
III
Charity Royall, stung by the revelation that Lucius Harney reported the library's poor condition to Miss Hatchard, decides to resign her post. She goes to the library to collect her things but is overwhelmed by despair. Later, Mr. Royall confronts her about neglecting her duties, and she learns that Harney's report led to Miss Hatchard's visit. That night, Charity dreams of a different life and feels a fierce hatred for Mr. Royall, recalling a past incident that changed their relationship. She resolves to find books to help Harney with his research.
Chapter 4
IV
Charity confronts Lucius Harney in the library, accusing him of turning Miss Hatchard against her and causing her to lose her job. Harney explains he only commented on the books' condition and ventilation, not on her performance. He reassures her and asks her to wait before resigning, and his gentle tone begins to disarm her anger.
Chapter 5
V
On a perfect June day, Charity Royall lies on a hillside, immersed in nature. She encounters Liff Hyatt, a man from the Mountain, and questions him about a brown house. Later, Lucius Harney joins her, and she offers to take him to the house. Harney expresses curiosity about the Mountain and its people, and Charity reveals that she herself came from there. Harney finds her different and kisses her hand, deepening their connection.
Free preview
13 more chapter companions sit beside the text in BetterReads — open a free preview to unlock the rest.
13 more companions → free preview