# Chapter XVII explained — Indian Summer

> Chapter companion for Indian Summer by William Dean Howells.

## What happens

Colville throws himself into the social whirl of Florence, attending numerous parties and dances with Imogene, though he is often treated as an older man. He overhears a young man's respectful address and Imogene's criticism of his coat lapels. Imogene reveals that Mrs. Bowen is unwell and deeply unhappy about their engagement, though she never speaks of it. Colville and Imogene discuss possible solutions but feel trapped. Colville suggests amusing Mrs. Bowen, but Imogene rejects the idea. The chapter ends with Colville feeling powerless and grieving over the situation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Age and Youth

Colville is acutely aware of his age as he participates in youthful dances, is treated as an older man, and is criticized for his old-fashioned coat lapels.

### Disillusionment and Regret

Colville and Imogene both feel trapped and disillusioned by their engagement, with Colville grieving over the 'irrevocable loss' and the impossibility of a solution.

### Social Convention and Propriety

The chapter highlights social expectations around age, dress, and behavior at parties, as well as Mrs. Bowen's strict adherence to propriety despite her personal feelings.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Colville

Attends numerous parties, dances with Imogene, is treated as an older man, overhears criticism of his coat, and discusses Mrs. Bowen's unhappiness with Imogene.

### Imogene Graham

Dances at parties, criticizes Colville's coat lapels, reveals Mrs. Bowen's distress about their engagement, and expresses her own frustration and exhaustion.

### Mrs. Bowen

Is unwell, avoids mentioning Colville, and is determined to be kind despite her disapproval of the engagement.

### Effie Bowen

Prattles to Colville while he waits for Imogene.

### Inglehart

One of the Inglehart boys who treats Colville with respect, calling him 'Sir'.

## Key lines

> He declined the quiet dinners which he liked, and which his hearty appetite and his habit of talk fitted him to enjoy, and accepted invitations to all sorts of evenings and At Homes, where dancing occupied a modest corner of the card, and usurped the chief place in the pleasures.

Colville gave up the quiet dinners he enjoyed and instead went to many evening parties where dancing was the main activity.

_Shows Colville's sacrifice of personal comfort to participate in the social scene with Imogene._

> She lets you feel it by⁠—not saying anything about it.

Mrs. Bowen shows her disapproval by never mentioning Colville's name.

_Imogene explains how Mrs. Bowen's silence conveys her distaste for the engagement._

> I need⁠—sleep. I’m going to bed tonight at eight o’clock, and I am going to sleep twenty-four hours.

Colville says he is exhausted and plans to sleep for a full day to recover.

_Highlights Colville's physical and emotional fatigue from the social whirl and the strain of the engagement._

## Links

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