What do you think that the book spent so much time mentioning the seasons?

Throughout the story, James references months of a calendar in a subtle way. This is seen in both the names of the characters and the time that they encounter each other. James cleverly utilizes seasons and months of a calendar to symbolize the cycles of nature and the passing of time, which is a metaphor for Marcher’s missed chances.

Marcher and May meet in summer, a season that connotes youth and liveliness. When Marcher has his epiphany at the end of the novel, it is hinted that it is around Autumn, a time associated with the falling of leaves. This marks the end of the vibrancy of summer, and in turn, marks the end of the relationship between Marcher and May. Moreover, May dies in April – the month between March and May. As the names of the characters resemble months in a calendar, it allows James to mark the final separation of the characters.