Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary

Fourth Chapter--This chapter begins with a lengthy narrative reflection on the nature of womanhood, and on its process of transformation from the medieval ideal of the noblewoman, desperate for protection, to the more modern woman, desperate for experience. Narration then recounts how Lucy was more modern than medieval, but still had some medieval feelings with which she always struggled. She continues to struggle as she leaves the Pension. She buys some photographs of nude paintings and sculptures, which she feels are somewhat shocking (the medieval woman) and knows that Miss Bartlett would not approve; but she also realizes that she bought them for exactly those reasons (the modern woman). As dusk settles in the streets, Lucy walks through the city, gradually becoming calmer and getting ready to return to the Pension. In the Piazza Signoria, however, two Italians arguing over...