Indian Summer · Chapter
Chapter XIII explained
Colville and Rev.
What happens
Colville and Rev. Mr. Waters engage in a philosophical walk through Florence, discussing failure, nature, and the human condition. Meanwhile, Imogene Graham, tormented by guilt over her treatment of Colville, pressures Mrs. Bowen to intervene and prevent his departure. Mrs. Bowen reluctantly writes a letter inviting Colville to lunch, but he declines, insisting on leaving. The chapter ends with Colville and Waters continuing their conversation, touching on historical assassination and the futility of political violence.
Themes in this chapter
Disillusionment and Regret
Colville and Waters discuss failure, the 'blossom of decay,' and the sense of missed direction in life. Imogene is consumed by regret over her treatment of Colville.
Self-Deception and Illusion
Colville muses on how nature abandons us to 'taste and conscience,' and the characters grapple with self-deception about their motives and actions.
Social Convention and Propriety
Mrs. Bowen insists on propriety in Imogene's dealings with Colville, and the letter-writing scene highlights the social constraints governing their interactions.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Colville
Engages in philosophical dialogue with Rev. Mr. Waters, reflects on failure and nature, receives and declines Mrs. Bowen's invitation, decides to leave Florence on Monday.
- Rev. Mr. Waters
Walks with Colville, discusses history, nature, and the futility of assassination, referencing the murder of Alessandro de' Medici.
- Mrs. Bowen
Confronts Imogene about her feelings for Colville, reluctantly writes a letter inviting Colville to lunch, but he declines.
- Imogene Graham
Expresses guilt and remorse over her past behavior toward Colville, insists on writing to him to ask him to stay, and accepts Mrs. Bowen's help.
Key passages
“Men fail, but man succeeds.”
Individuals may fail, but humanity as a whole progresses.
Colville and Waters discuss the nature of failure and success in human life.
“Nature is a savage. She has good impulses, but you can't trust her altogether.”
Nature is wild and unreliable, despite occasional benevolent tendencies.
Colville and Waters debate the role of nature in human life and will.
“I have reasons for wishing to recall my consent to your going away. Will you not come and lunch with us tomorrow, and try to forget everything that has passed during a few days?”
I want to take back my approval of your departure. Please join us for lunch tomorrow and let's move past recent events.
Mrs. Bowen writes to Colville at Imogene's behest, inviting him to stay.
“I am satisfied that it is best for me to go; and I am ashamed not to be gone already.”
I believe leaving is the right decision, and I'm embarrassed I haven't left yet.
Colville declines Mrs. Bowen's invitation, reaffirming his plan to depart.