Again we see the conflict in Charles Gould between the rational Englishman and the passionate Costaguanero. The sombrero is, of course, a sunshade, symbolically illustrating that Charles' dream-ideal is essentially Costaguanan, i.e., a matter of fanatic passion. The English clothing is referred to as a "get-up," reflecting the front of rational profit-seeking that he has been displaying to his financial backers.

Observe that it was immediately after his idealistic speech, and Emily's approval, that he "left her suddenly" to get his Costaguanan hat, as if, having stated his dream-ideal aloud, he at once helms himself in passionate dedication to it, the very dedication that will cause him to emotionally abandon her. Observe also that his following lines about total dedication to the cause come after he puts on the hat.