# XIII explained — Summer

> Chapter companion for Summer by Edith Wharton.

## What happens

During the Old Home Week celebration in the crowded Town Hall, Charity sings with the choir and observes Mr. Royall's moving speech about returning to North Dormer for good. She spots Harney sitting next to Annabel Balch, and the sight of them together shatters her illusions, revealing the reality of her situation and her powerlessness. Overcome, she faints at Mr. Royall's feet.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Escape

Charity's sense of isolation intensifies as she realizes the gap between her world and Harney's, and her desire to escape is thwarted.

### Social Class and Inequality

The contrast between Charity's humble background and Annabel Balch's social standing highlights class divisions.

### Shame and Social Stigma

Charity's fear of public exposure and her fainting spell reflect the shame associated with her secret relationship.

## Character check-ins

### Charity Royall

Sings in the choir, searches for Harney, and is devastated by seeing him with Annabel Balch; faints at Mr. Royall's feet.

### Lawyer Royall

Delivers a heartfelt speech about returning to North Dormer for good, showing dignity and a sense of purpose.

### Lucius Harney

Seen sitting next to Annabel Balch, whispering to her, causing Charity's crisis.

### Annabel Balch

Sits beside Harney, her smile reflecting their intimate conversation.

### Mr. Miles

Leads the prayer and speaks during the ceremony, commenting on Mr. Royall's speech.

### Old Miss Hatchard

Present in the front row, signaling during the event.

## Key lines

> Behind the frail screen of her lover’s caresses was the whole inscrutable mystery of his life: his relations with other people—with other women—his opinions, his prejudices, his principles, the net of influences and interests and ambitions in which every man’s life is entangled.

Charity realizes that Harney's affection hides a complex life full of relationships, opinions, and ambitions she cannot understand or compete with.

_Reveals Charity's sudden awakening to the depth of her ignorance about Harney's world._

> She understood now the case of girls like herself to whom this kind of thing happened. They gave all they had, but their all was not enough: it could not buy more than a few moments.

Charity recognizes that her love and sacrifice are insufficient to secure a lasting place in Harney's life.

_Highlights her sense of powerlessness and the transient nature of their relationship._

> I give you my recipe for what it’s worth; after a while, I believe you’ll be able to say, as I can say today: ‘I’m glad I’m here.’

Mr. Royall advises that by making the best of one's circumstances, one can eventually find contentment in their hometown.

_Contrasts Mr. Royall's acceptance with Charity's desire for escape._

## Links

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