A Summer Tragedy is the story of Jeff and Jennie, an elderly couple who plan to drive their car off a cliff and end their lives, as they see no option of living a comfortable life. The story that leads to their decision reveals the host of medical problems they suffer and that are common to elderly people, including vision loss, arthritis, strokes, and memory loss with its accompanying fears. Over time, these problems cause many elderly people to lose their ability to take care of themselves and live independent lives. As they age, elderly couples wading through these medical problems together tend to become increasingly dependent on each other. Such is the case with Jeff and Jennie.

Jeff and Jennie decide to end their lives together not only because they see no hope of surviving comfortably, but because they see no hope of surviving alone. The characters take care of each other for as long as they can, attempting to help each other manage their challenges. When their quality of life deteriorates (and they know it will continue to deteriorate), they know it is time to carry out their death pact. Though they depend on each other, both characters resist being dependent as a rule; they are proud of their ability to care for themselves and manage their lives without help. Their pact results from the mutual decision that they will not accept living in a state where they are unable to take care of themselves. As poor sharecroppers, they worked the farm to get by, but they did little more than that. When they were unable to work, they saw no future for themselves; with age and ailing health, they lost their independence. We have to wonder how many elderly people face the same challenges and fears as Jeff and Jennie—especially elderly people living in poverty. For many, the loss of independence and the loss of pride that comes with it seems too difficult to bear.