# III explained — Summer

> Chapter companion for Summer by Edith Wharton.

## What happens

Charity Royall, stung by the revelation that Lucius Harney reported the library's poor condition to Miss Hatchard, decides to resign her post. She goes to the library to collect her things but is overwhelmed by despair. Later, Mr. Royall confronts her about neglecting her duties, and she learns that Harney's report led to Miss Hatchard's visit. That night, Charity dreams of a different life and feels a fierce hatred for Mr. Royall, recalling a past incident that changed their relationship. She resolves to find books to help Harney with his research.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Escape

Charity feels trapped in North Dormer and dreams of escaping to 'shining super-Nettletons' and a life of sophistication.

### Power and Dependency

Mr. Royall's control over Charity's job and household is evident, yet his humbled pride after a past incident gives Charity a measure of power.

### Shame and Social Stigma

Charity's hatred of Mr. Royall is rooted in a shameful past incident, and she fears the social judgment of others in the town.

## Character check-ins

### Charity Royall

Feels betrayed by Lucius Harney after learning he reported the library's condition; decides to resign but is overcome by desolation; later dreams of a glamorous life and harbors hatred for Mr. Royall.

### Lucius Harney

Reported the library's poor condition to Miss Hatchard, leading to Charity's confrontation; his visit to the library and his first look at Charity are recalled with mixed emotions.

### Lawyer Royall

Confronts Charity about her neglect of the library; his past incident with Charity has changed their relationship, and he now keeps a humbled distance.

### Old Miss Hatchard

Visited the library after Harney's report and found it locked; plans to hire a trained librarian.

### Old Verena Marsh

Hired by Mr. Royall as a deaf cook; her presence at meals excuses silence between Charity and Mr. Royall.

## Key lines

> But that the stranger to whom she had felt herself so mysteriously drawn should have betrayed her!

She couldn't believe that the man she felt so connected to had turned against her.

_Charity's sense of betrayal upon learning Harney reported her._

> Her heart was ravaged by life's cruelest discovery: the first creature who had come toward her out of the wilderness had brought her anguish instead of joy.

She was devastated to find that the first person to show her kindness only caused her pain.

_Charity's realization that Harney's attention has led to suffering._

> She understood that, profoundly as she had despised Mr. Royall ever since, he despised himself still more profoundly.

She knew that her contempt for Mr. Royall was matched by his own self-loathing.

_The dynamic of shame and power between Charity and Mr. Royall._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/summer_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/summer_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/summer_se/chapters