"Summer" is a book written by Edith Wharton and published in 1917 by Charles Scribner's Sons. Most of Wharton's books focus on the wealthy people in New York, but "Summer" is one of only two of her books set in the countryside. The main ideas of the book include differences between social classes, the roles of women, harmful relationships, growing up and understanding love, and the desires of the main character, Charity Royall. When it was first published, the book caused some debate. It is not as well-known as some of Wharton's other books because of the topics it discusses.

Synopsis

At the beginning of the story, Charity Royall is unhappy with her life in the small fictional town of North Dormer, located in Western Massachusetts near the Berkshires. She was born to poor parents who lived in the mountains and was given to the town's educated man, Lawyer Royall. Despite this, Charity still wishes for a better and more exciting life outside the town. To save money and eventually leave, she finds a job at the town's library. One night, Mr. Royall, who is now a widower, makes an unwanted move toward Charity, which she refuses. This action completely changes their relationship.

At age 17, Charity meets Lucius Harney, a visiting architect, at the library. They feel a strong connection quickly. Later, Lucius moves into Mr. Royall's home after his own living plans fail. Charity becomes interested in Lucius and agrees to accompany him as he explores the town. Lucius is working on a book about colonial houses, and the two visit homes together for his research. Mr. Royall, who still hopes to marry Charity, notices their growing closeness and forces Lucius to leave his home. Lucius then moves to a nearby village.

Later, Charity and Lucius travel to Nettleton for the Fourth of July celebration. There, they share their first kiss, and Lucius gives Charity a brooch. During the event, they encounter Mr. Royall, who is very drunk and verbally attacks Charity. This makes Charity feel ashamed, and she turns to Lucius for comfort. After the day, Charity and Lucius grow closer and have their first sexual encounter.

The two often meet at an abandoned house. Charity feels worried when she sees Lucius with Annabel Balch, a local girl, at a social gathering. Lucius promises to meet Charity at their usual spot, but when she arrives, Mr. Royall is there instead. Lucius later promises to marry Charity but leaves town temporarily. Later, Charity learns that Lucius has gone to be with Annabel. In anger, she writes Lucius a letter telling him to marry Annabel.

Soon after, Charity becomes sick. A doctor confirms she is pregnant. She cannot afford the medical check-up, so she gives the brooch Lucius gave her to the doctor as payment. Later, she receives a letter from Lucius stating he will marry Annabel and that he is happy she agrees. This frustrates Charity, and she decides to leave to find her long-lost mother in the mountains. However, it is too late—her mother has already died before they can reunite.

While staying with her relatives in the mountains, Charity sees the poverty affecting people there. She vows to ensure her child does not live in poverty. She returns home and plans to become a prostitute to support her child. On the way, she meets Mr. Royall again, who offers her a ride. They decide to marry. In the end, Charity writes Lucius a letter about her marriage and returns to live with Mr. Royall in North Dormer.

Major themes

The most important theme in Summer is Charity's growth into adulthood. In a traditional way, Charity changes from a young woman who does not understand her life or the world around her into someone who can make important and difficult choices. Her relationship with Lucius Harney, a man she is not supposed to be with, helps her learn about herself and her feelings. When Charity and Harney meet on the Fourth of July, the bright and intense images in the story show the excitement, happiness, and sense of control she feels in their relationship. Through this relationship, Charity explores who she is and learns that the love between two people who seem very different can challenge traditional ideas about love. Even though her relationship with Harney ends quickly, Charity does not regret it. She accepts her situation and decides to keep her baby. Her choice to marry Mr. Royall shows her growth, even though it is not the best option for someone in her position. Although it might seem like she is choosing a harder life, this decision proves her maturity because she is willing to make sacrifices for herself and her child.

Major characters

Charity Royall: She is the main character in the story. A stranger seduces her, makes her pregnant, and leaves her. In this situation, seeking security leads her to marry her former guardian.

Lawyer Royall: The lawyer has always felt a fatherly connection toward Charity until his wife dies. After her death, his heavy drinking weakens his ability to control his desires. He keeps his distance from Charity, hires workers to live in the house, and helps her gain independence. However, he is deeply troubled by these events. When Charity’s lover leaves her while she is pregnant, her guardian steps in by marrying her.

Lucius Harney: Lucius is a young architect from New York who enters Charity’s life. He promises to give her everything she wants. Charity is both attracted to him and jealous of him. Lucius represents everything Charity imagines for her future.

Anabel Balch: Anabel is the opposite of Charity. She is described as a blonde woman with blue eyes, who is fashionable, educated, and wealthy. She eventually becomes Lucius Harney’s wife.

Julia Hawes: Julia is the oldest sister of Charity’s best friend, Ally. She was once involved in a love affair that left her pregnant and abandoned. Unlike Charity, Julia chooses to have an abortion and later becomes a prostitute. This experience makes her an outcast in her town. Julia’s story serves as a warning that influences Charity’s choices.

Adaptations

An operatic version of the story "Summer" was first performed by the Berkshire Opera Company in 1999. The music was written by Stephen Paulus, and the story and lyrics were written by Joan Vail Thorne.