Summer · Chapter
VII explained
Charity returns to her library duties after her drive with Harney, but is unsettled by his absence at midday and Mr.
What happens
Charity returns to her library duties after her drive with Harney, but is unsettled by his absence at midday and Mr. Royall's indifference. Harney arrives with Mr. Miles, and later Charity spies on Harney packing to leave, wrestling with her desire for him and her fear of repeating the fate of shunned women like Julia Hawes. She ultimately refrains from entering his room, choosing to preserve the image he has of her.
Themes in this chapter
Sexual Awakening and Repression
Charity's internal conflict between her desire for Harney and her fear of social shame and the fate of girls like Julia Hawes.
Shame and Social Stigma
Charity's awareness of the village's hypocrisy and the consequences for women who yield to desire, as exemplified by Julia Hawes.
Isolation and Escape
Charity's sense of being 'flung back on herself, doubly alone' after her moment of communion with Harney, and her vigil in the dark garden.
Characters to notice
- Charity Royall
Struggles with her desire for Harney and her fear of social shame, ultimately choosing not to enter his room.
- Lucius Harney
Seen packing to leave, showing weariness and self-disgust; falls asleep while Charity watches.
- Lawyer Royall
Shows taciturn indifference to Harney's absence, which disquiets Charity.
- Mr. Miles
Visits the library with Harney, sent by Miss Hatchard; Charity now sees him as a fat middle-aged man.
- Julia Hawes
Referenced as a cautionary example of a girl who was 'taken' and ended up in Nettleton.
- Ally Hawes
Mentioned as the sister of Julia Hawes.
Key passages
“Since her reinstatement in Miss Hatchard’s favour Charity had not dared to curtail by a moment her hours of attendance at the library.”
After being forgiven by Miss Hatchard, Charity was careful not to shorten her library hours.
Shows Charity's anxiety about maintaining her position.
“It was almost as if Lucius Harney had never had a part in their lives; Mr. Royall’s imperturbable indifference seemed to relegate him to the domain of unreality.”
Mr. Royall's calm silence made it seem as if Harney had never been part of their household.
Highlights Charity's unease and Mr. Royall's passive acceptance.
“It was the thing that did happen between young men and girls, and that North Dormer ignored in public and snickered over on the sly.”
Charity knew that what happened between young men and girls was something the village pretended not to see but gossiped about privately.
Reveals the town's hypocrisy regarding sexuality.
“She did not know why he was going; but since he was going she felt she must do nothing to deface the image of her that he carried away.”
Though she didn't understand his reasons for leaving, Charity resolved not to spoil the memory he had of her.
Charity's decision to preserve her dignity and Harney's idealized view of her.