Summer

The majority of 18th century women, especially those in rural areas, had few choices when it came to their future. Marriage and motherhood were the choices available to most women, in the rural places particularly that Wharton writes. The novel is a coming to age story of Charity Royall, a young, poor uneducated girl living in rural town of North Dormer, New England.  After the wife of Mr. Royall dies, Charity continues living with Mr. Royall always dependent on him for her survival. Although some people in the community think Charity should be sent to the nearest town to get an education, Charity doesn’t go because lawyer Royall was a “dreadfully lonesome man” whom Charity can’t leave alone (Wharton 15). The patriarchy of the society puts his needs before Charity’s; she remains poor and uneducated, always dependent on someone. More than anything else, Summer is the story of a young woman’s realization of sexuality. At the beginning of the novel, Charity is completely inexperienced when it comes to men. Harney is the first man Charity feels an interest in, and as she spends time with him her feelings change and develop. Charity’s sexuality demonstrates more than her choice to be with Harney but it is the only power she has ever known. Wharton uses the suggested images of Charity’s sexuality, such as flowers and nature, along with symbolism in names and strong images of doors and mirrors, to critique small town New England society and the lack of options and freedom that it provided to all people. Although she is initially portrayed as a strong character, Charity’s life is ruled ultimately by the men around her.  Charity yearns for a better life than the one she lives in her small town, but gender roles and society prevent her from realizing her dreams.