Flawless

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of emotional abuse and sexual content.

“[T]he view over Calgary is unparalleled. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains off in the distance are like a painting—it never gets old.”

This passage captures the majesty of Calgary’s natural landscape while evoking a sense of awe and timeless beauty. The description of the mountains, which are likened to a painting, creates an idealized, dreamlike quality and emphasizes their allure in Summer’s eyes. Summer deeply appreciates nature, but she also feels trapped inside her corporate ivory tower and longs for the freedom of the natural world.

“You’re not Peter Pan, Rhett. You won’t be losing your shadow.”

This passage alludes to J. M. Barrie’s classic play Peter Pan, as the titular character’s shadow is a metaphor for identity and self-awareness and is often tied to the theme of growing up. Similarly, the concept of “Peter Pan syndrome” is used to describe men who fail to mature. For Rhett, the reference symbolizes his inability to escape certain parts of his reality and his need to face his responsibilities rather than avoiding them.

“The houses where I grew up were almost at war with the landscape. Fighting it with their sharp corners and harsh tones.”

This quote from Summer captures her reaction to seeing Rhett’s ranch. The vivid imagery also reflects the dissonance that Summer feels about her childhood experience. By personifying the houses, the author reveals the disharmony that exists between the artificial structures and the natural environment. The “sharp corners and harsh tones” emphasize the cold, rigid nature of Summer’s childhood experiences, which contrast with the wildness of the ranch.