Indian Summer · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
During an excursion to Fiesole, Colville struggles with the tension between Imogene and Mrs.
What happens
During an excursion to Fiesole, Colville struggles with the tension between Imogene and Mrs. Bowen, while trying to entertain the party and manage his own troubled feelings about his relationship with Imogene and the impending revelation to Mr. Morton.
Themes in this chapter
Disillusionment and Regret
Colville feels burdened by his situation and the silence of the ladies, reflecting his disillusionment with the affair and his own role.
Social Convention and Propriety
The tension over who should sit where in the carriage, the snubbing of Effie for speaking out of turn, and the effort to maintain polite conversation all highlight social conventions.
Self-Deception and Illusion
Colville's inner turmoil and his attempt to maintain a cheerful facade while grappling with his promise to Imogene and the need to tell Mr. Morton.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Colville
Feels burdened by the silence and tension in the carriage, tries to entertain the party with talk and jokes, and is troubled by Imogene's behavior and Mrs. Bowen's snubs.
- Mrs. Bowen
Snubs Effie for commenting on Imogene, is silent and resentful during the drive, but eventually tries to help the conversation by mentioning Gratiano.
- Imogene Graham
Acts strangely, makes a pointed joke about 'old people,' and breaks from abstraction with aggressive remarks toward Colville and Mrs. Bowen.
- Effie Bowen
Is snubbed by her mother for commenting on Imogene, comforted by Colville, and enjoys the presents he buys from the children vendors.
- Mr. Morton
Sits beside Imogene in the carriage, participates in the conversation, and is unaware of the tension surrounding Colville's relationship with Imogene.
Key passages
“I think Imogene is acting very strangely, for her ; don’t you, mamma? It seems as if going with those Guicciardi girls just once had spoiled her.”
Effie remarks to her mother that Imogene is behaving oddly, suggesting that spending time with the Guicciardi girls has changed her.
Effie's observation is quickly shut down by Mrs. Bowen, showing the tension in the group.
“You old people will be safer back there, said Imogene.”
Imogene jokes that the older people should sit in the back of the carriage for safety.
This comment is directed at Colville and Mrs. Bowen, highlighting Imogene's defiance and the age difference.
“I am the only person of no principle—except Effie—in the carriage, and yet I am at this moment carrying more blessings out of this village than I shall ever know what to do with.”
Colville jokes that he and Effie are the only ones without principles, yet they are leaving San Domenico with many blessings from the beggars.
Colville uses humor to deflect the tension and criticize the regulation of begging in Florence.