Confessions of a Summer Colonist (from Literature and Life)

"Confessions of a Summer Colonist (from Literature and Life)" by William Dean Howells is a nostalgic look at a New England coastal colony during a summer season in the late 1800s. It tells about of the summer vacationers and their world between those who lived there and those who were just visiting for the summer. The essay touches on informality, parties, and how quickly summer passes. The narrator remembers their summer in this cozy colony, describing relaxed parties, a love for nature, and friendships with the locals. He shows the simple beauty of summer life, like the old houses, shared dinners, and local fun, but also knows that the summer people will soon go back to their city lives. Howells creates a picture of a lively but delicate village, where the happiness of summer is mixed with sadness as fall comes and everyone gets ready to leave.