# XV: Cope Entertains Several Ladies explained — Bertram Cope’s Year

> Chapter companion for Bertram Cope’s Year by Henry Blake Fuller.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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