Throughout the novel, Summer, Edith Wharton uses symbolism in the characters, their actions, the setting, and images. By using this literary technique, Edith Wharton portrays feelings and ideas to the reader without using the narrator. The title itself; Summer, is a symbol. The month of June marks mid-year and the change of seasons, symbolizing the change from girlhood into adulthood. August marks the end of summer, symbolizing the end of leisure and fun. Finally, fall symbolizes change, responsibility, burden, and pregnancy. The months and seasons of the year are not the only symbols employed by Wharton.

Color plays a significant role in the novel. Wharton repeatedly stresses the colors of objects. The reader is exposed to the red house, the white dress, Lucius' grey eyes, and the blue pin. The color white is also another important symbol. After spending the day with Harney, Charity returns to...