# XIX explained — Indian Summer

> Chapter companion for Indian Summer by William Dean Howells.

## What happens

Colville and Imogene discuss self-improvement and reading courses, revealing their differing temperaments. Mrs. Bowen warns Colville about Mr. Morton's interest in Imogene and presses for clarity. After a tense exchange, Mrs. Bowen resolves to inform Mr. Morton of Imogene's engagement, while Imogene insists on handling it herself.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Deception and Illusion

Imogene's grand notion of self-sacrifice and her belief that she can control the narrative of her relationship with Colville reveal her self-deception about the situation.

### Social Convention and Propriety

Mrs. Bowen insists on propriety by demanding that Mr. Morton be informed of Imogene's engagement, highlighting the social rules governing romantic attachments.

### Disillusionment and Regret

Colville's discomfort and Mrs. Bowen's bitterness reflect the disillusionment and regret that permeate the strained relationships in the chapter.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Colville

Engages in a frivolous debate with Imogene about earnestness and reading; later confronts Mrs. Bowen about her treatment of him.

### Imogene Graham

Seeks guidance on self-improvement and expresses a desire to be more worthy of Colville; later insists on managing Mr. Morton's feelings herself.

### Rev. Mr. Waters

Mentioned as Mr. Morton; shows interest in Imogene and is drawn to her at the piano.

### Mrs. Bowen

Confronts Colville about Mr. Morton's interest in Imogene and later resolves to inform Mr. Morton of the engagement.

### Effie Bowen

Mentioned as absent due to being up too much of late.

## Key lines

> Oh, living along till evening. What have you?

Colville says he has just been passing the time until evening, and asks Imogene what she has been doing.

_Colville's casual reply contrasts with Imogene's earnestness._

> I will not let him tell Mr. Morton. It would be too indelicate.

Imogene refuses to allow Colville to inform Mr. Morton of their engagement, considering it improper.

_Imogene asserts her own sense of propriety over the situation._

> I will tell him myself.

Imogene declares that she will personally inform Mr. Morton of her engagement.

_Imogene takes control of the difficult conversation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indian_summer_se/chapters/xix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indian_summer_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indian_summer_se/chapters