Bertram Cope’s Year · Chapter
XV: Cope Entertains Several Ladies explained
Cope's aunt, Aunt Harriet, visits from Freeford after his landlady becomes concerned about his health.
What happens
Cope's aunt, Aunt Harriet, visits from Freeford after his landlady becomes concerned about his health. She stays two nights, prepares his meals, and leaves satisfied he is not seriously ill. Medora Phillips and Amy Leffingwell call on Cope, meeting Aunt Harriet briefly before her departure. Cope entertains them with photographs from his time at Winnebago, including pictures of a young man he knows. During the visit, Medora learns of the young man's impending arrival and invites both to dine. After they leave, Cope writes a letter to Arthur Lemoyne, mentioning the visit and confirming Lemoyne's upcoming arrival.
Themes in this chapter
Social Manipulation and Patronage
Medora Phillips orchestrates visits and invitations, asserting social control over Cope's circle.
Performance and Artifice
Cope puts on a brave front for his callers, using photographs as a diversion from his true condition.
Escape and Confinement
Cope feels confined by his illness and lodgings, looking forward to a 'new dispensation' and Lemoyne's arrival.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Cope
Recovering from illness, entertains Medora Phillips and Amy Leffingwell with photographs, writes to Arthur Lemoyne.
- Aunt Harriet
Visits from Freeford to care for Cope, meets Medora Phillips briefly before departing.
- Medora Phillips
Visits Cope with Amy, meets Aunt Harriet, invites Cope and his friend to dine.
- Amy Leffingwell
Accompanies Medora to visit Cope, shows concern for his health.
- Arthur Lemoyne
Addressee of Cope's letter; expected to visit and has been invited to Mrs. Phillips' house.
Key passages
“These young men are too careless and proud.”
Medora criticizes young men for neglecting their physical health due to intellectual pride.
Medora's assertive advice to Aunt Harriet.
“I almost feel like taking you in myself.”
Medora offers to house Cope due to his poor living conditions.
Medora's bold offer to Cope.
“Pity is akin to embarrassment, for the pitied.”
Showing pity can embarrass the person being pitied.
Medora's advice to Amy about not showing too much sympathy.