Edith Wharton, a writer often celebrated for her sharp portrayals of New York's upper crust, ventured into the rugged landscapes of rural Massachusetts with her 1917 novel, "Summer." This isn't the glittering ballroom scene; instead, Wharton plunges us into the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, exploring a different kind of awakening, one far removed from societal expectations.
The story centers on Charity Royall, a young woman whose life is as stark and untamed as the "Mountain" she hails from. Orphaned and raised by the somewhat formidable Lawyer Royall, Charity's existence is marked by a quiet resilience and a deep, almost instinctual connection to the natural world. She's described as stubborn, cool on the surface, yet possessing a keen inner perception.
Wharton herself called "Summer" a "hot" version of "Ethan Frome," and the novel certainly delves into the complexities of burgeoning sexuality. At its core, it's a narrative about a young girl's sexual awakening, a journey fraught with the limitations of her environment and the complexities of her relationships. Charity's life takes a significant turn when she meets Lucius Harney, an architect visiting the area. Their encounter sparks a forbidden romance, a central thread in the novel that explores Charity's attempts to break free from the confines of her life, including the oppressive control of her guardian.
What's striking about Wharton's approach here is the contrast between her sophisticated prose and the raw, uneducated characters and their rustic setting. This stylistic choice, as noted in the reference material, offers readers a kind of detached, almost divine perspective, allowing us to observe the unfolding drama with a unique clarity. The descriptions of the New England countryside are vivid, almost a character in themselves, providing a backdrop that is both beautiful and isolating.
The plot thickens as Charity and Lucius's relationship deepens. A pivotal moment occurs during a trip to Nettleton, where Lucius first kisses Charity and gives her a blue brooch. This intimate moment is jarringly interrupted by the appearance of Lawyer Royall, drunk and accompanied by prostitutes, who verbally abuses Charity, leaving her overwhelmed with shame. Following this, Charity and Lucius embark on a sexual relationship.
Further complications arise during North Dormer's Old Home Week. Charity sees Lucius with Annabel Balch, a woman from a more privileged background, igniting Charity's jealousy. After a dance, when Charity meets Lucius as usual, Lawyer Royall appears again, confronting Lucius about his intentions towards Charity. Though Lucius promises to marry Charity, he soon leaves town, only for Charity to learn from a friend that he has departed with Annabel, and that they are engaged.
Feeling unwell, Charity consults Dr. Merkle and discovers she is pregnant. Unable to pay the full doctor's fee, she has to leave the brooch Lucius gave her as collateral. Upon returning home, she finds a letter from Lucius, expressing his intention to make things work between them. However, the narrative suggests Charity's path leads her back towards the "Mountain," seeking her mother, hinting at a complex and perhaps unresolved future.
Wharton, who passed away shortly after "Summer" was published, considered it one of her five proudest achievements, a testament to its significance in her body of work. It stands as a powerful exploration of a young woman's burgeoning desires and her struggle for autonomy within the restrictive social and geographical landscape of early 20th-century rural America.
