Summer - Classic Text | Alexandria
Summer by Edith Wharton, often overshadowed by her more celebrated works like The Age of Innocence and Ethan Frome, is a novella that simmers with a potent and often uncomfortable exploration of desire, class, and societal constraints. Published in 1917 amidst the turmoil of World War I, it’s a concentrated study of Charity Royall, a young woman living in rural North Dormer, Massachusetts, a landscape that both defines and confines her. Some have mistakenly viewed it as a simple coming-of-age story, a pastoral romance, but its unsettling undercurrents suggest a far more complex and morally ambiguous narrative.
The genesis of Summer coincided with a period of great creative output for Wharton. While specific early drafts or letters detailing the novel's conception are scarce, its themes resonate with her ongoing exploration of female autonomy and the repressive forces of early 20th-century American society, a concern documented in works of literary criticism alongside her fiction. The year of its publication also holds significance, marking the United States' entry into the First World War, a conflict that undoubtedly colored the public's reception of Wharton's unvarnished depiction of rural life.
Summer initially caused a stir due to its frank portrayal of female sexuality and the exploration of a relationship that transgressed social boundaries. This provocative content contributed to its controversial, yet compelling, status. Over time, the novel's reputation evolved, particularly with feminist literary criticism in the late 20th century uncovering deeper layers of meaning. Critics explored Charity's agency, or lack thereof, within a patriarchal society, framing the novella as a critique of societal expectations placed on women. The ambiguity surrounding Charity's choices and the unresolved tension of the ending continue to fuel scholarly debate, prompting new generations of readers to question the nature of freedom and societal expectations.
Today, Summer remains relevant. Its themes of social isolation, economic disparity, and the complexities of female desire are potent reminders of ongoing societal challenges. The novel's enduring ambiguity ensures its continued relevance; Summer is not merely a story of a young woman's awakening but a challenging examination of American identity, class divisions, and the sacrifices demanded for social acceptance. Did Charity make the right choice? Or is there more to the story?