Short Fiction · Chapter
Rus in Urbe explained
The narrator, a press-agent for Binkly & Bing, defends his choice to stay in New York City during the summer to his wealthy friend Spencer Grenville North, who extols the virtues of his Adirondack camp.
What happens
The narrator, a press-agent for Binkly & Bing, defends his choice to stay in New York City during the summer to his wealthy friend Spencer Grenville North, who extols the virtues of his Adirondack camp. The narrator argues that the city is the finest summer resort, but eventually reveals his true motive: he has fallen for actress Annie Ashton.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The narrator pretends to prefer the city in summer, but his true reason is his affection for Annie Ashton, revealing a contrast between stated belief and actual motive.
Social Class and Wealth
The chapter contrasts the lifestyles of the wealthy (North's camp with sixteen rooms and servants) with the narrator's modest apartment and the city's poorer inhabitants.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The press-agent for Binkly & Bing who remains in New York City during the summer and argues with North about the merits of urban versus rural life.
- Billy Keogh
Mentioned indirectly as a friend; not directly present in this chapter.
- Annie Williams
Referred to as Annie Ashton, the actress the narrator is staying in town for; she played Nannette in 'The Silver Cord'.
Key passages
“New York is the finest summer resort in the world.”
The narrator insists that New York City is the best place to spend the summer.
This phrase is repeated as a central argument in the chapter.
“I gave five hundred dollars to the free ice fund on the first of May.”
North mentions his charitable donation to provide ice for the poor.
Highlights North's wealth and his attempt to justify his lifestyle.