# IX explained — Summer > Chapter companion for Summer by Edith Wharton. ## What happens Charity prepares for a trip to Nettleton with Lucius Harney on the Fourth of July, defying Mr. Royall's warnings. She reflects on her growing intimacy with Harney, their secret meetings, and her determination to assert her independence. The chapter contrasts her happiness with the cautionary tale of Julia Hawes, who suffered after visiting a doctor in Nettleton. Charity and Harney enjoy the holiday festivities, including a train ride, a café, a movie theater, and a drive around the lake, but Charity is momentarily chilled when she recognizes Dr. Merkle's office, the same place Ally Hawes had described. ## Themes in this chapter ### Isolation and Escape Charity's trip to Nettleton represents a temporary escape from the confines of North Dormer and Mr. Royall's control, though the shadow of social judgment and past warnings lingers. ### Shame and Social Stigma The story of Julia Hawes and the sight of Dr. Merkle's office highlight the dangers and shame associated with female sexuality and reproductive choices in this society. ### Power and Dependency Charity asserts her independence by lying about her plans and going with Harney, yet she remains financially and socially dependent on Mr. Royall and subject to his authority. ## Character check-ins ### Charity Royall Charity prepares for her trip to Nettleton with Harney, feeling both excitement and defiance. She reflects on her secret meetings with Harney and her desire for independence, while also recalling the story of Julia Hawes. ### Lucius Harney Harney picks up Charity for their day trip to Nettleton. He is initially lukewarm about the Fourth of July crowds but gives in to Charity's enthusiasm. He treats her with deference and respect, and they enjoy the holiday together. ### Ally Hawes Ally helps Charity with her new hat and shares the story of her sister Julia's visit to Dr. Merkle in Nettleton, serving as a cautionary contrast to Charity's innocence. ### Julia Hawes Julia is mentioned by Ally as having visited Dr. Merkle in Nettleton, an experience that nearly killed her and serves as a warning to Charity. ### Lawyer Royall Mr. Royall is referenced as having given Charity ten dollars and as the source of her earlier conflict with Harney. He is not present in the chapter but looms in the background. ### Dr. Merkle Dr. Merkle's office is seen by Charity on the corner of Wing Street and Lake Avenue, triggering a memory of Ally's story about Julia. ## Key lines > All of the ten dollars Mr. Royall had given her, and a part of her own savings as well, had been spent on renewing her wardrobe; and when Harney jumped out of the buggy to meet her she read her reward in his eyes. Charity spent all of Mr. Royall's gift and some of her own money on new clothes, and Harney's admiring look made it worthwhile. _Highlights Charity's investment in her appearance to please Harney and her reliance on Mr. Royall's money._ > She understood why he was not more eager: he must have seen sights beside which even a Fourth of July at Nettleton would seem tame. But she had never seen anything; and a great longing possessed her to walk the streets of a big town on a holiday, clinging to his arm and jostled by idle crowds in their best clothes. Charity realizes Harney is unimpressed by Nettleton because he has experienced much more, but she yearns for the simple thrill of a holiday outing with him. _Emphasizes the gap in their worldly experience and Charity's innocent excitement._ > Through all the heat and the rapture a shiver of cold ran over her. Despite the joy and warmth of the day, Charity feels a sudden chill when she sees Dr. Merkle's sign. _Foreshadows the darker realities that threaten Charity's happiness._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/summer_se/chapters/ix - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/summer_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/summer_se/chapters