Summer · Chapter
II explained
Charity Royall reflects on her past and her relationship with her guardian, Lawyer Royall, after a brief encounter with Lucius Harney at the library.
What happens
Charity Royall reflects on her past and her relationship with her guardian, Lawyer Royall, after a brief encounter with Lucius Harney at the library. She recalls how she came to live with the Royalls, her decision to stay in North Dormer rather than attend boarding school, and a troubling incident with Mr. Royall. Seeking independence, she becomes the librarian at the Hatchard Memorial Library.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Escape
Charity feels trapped in North Dormer and dreams of leaving, yet also finds solace in nature.
Power and Dependency
Charity rules in Mr. Royall's house but feels the weight of her dependence; her encounter with Harney hints at the sweetness of reliance.
Shame and Social Stigma
Charity is acutely aware of her origins on the Mountain, which mark her as an outcast even in humble North Dormer.
Characters to notice
- Charity Royall
Reflects on her past, her decision to stay in North Dormer, and her feelings of power and isolation.
- Lawyer Royall
Charity's guardian; his harshness and loneliness are revealed, as well as a troubling incident.
- Lucius Harney
Briefly appears at the library; his visit prompts Charity to close early and reflect on her feelings.
- Old Miss Hatchard
Attempts to arrange Charity's education and later appoints her as librarian.
- Mrs. Royall
Deceased; Charity recalls her as sad, timid, and weak.
Key passages
“She knew that Mrs. Royall was sad and timid and weak; she knew that lawyer Royall was harsh and violent, and still weaker.”
Charity understood that Mrs. Royall was sorrowful and timid, while Mr. Royall was harsh and violent, yet even more weak.
Reveals Charity's perception of the Royalls' characters.
“She had never put it to herself in those terms; but she knew her power, knew what it was made of, and hated it.”
Charity had never explicitly acknowledged it, but she was aware of her authority and despised its source.
Highlights Charity's conflicted feelings about her control in the household.
“Confusedly, the young man in the library had made her feel for the first time what might be the sweetness of dependence.”
In a confused way, the young man in the library had shown her for the first time how pleasant it might be to rely on someone.
Charity's encounter with Harney awakens a new emotional possibility.