In Taylor Swift’s Folklore story, James reconciles with Betty after the events described in “august.”
The three-song narrative follows a love triangle. Augustine narrates the summer relationship in “august,” James reflects on his actions in “Betty,” and Betty’s perspective appears in “Cardigan.” James had been involved with Augustine even though he was already connected to Betty.
The songs do not form a conventional chronological plot with every detail stated directly. Instead, Swift uses separate viewpoints, memories, and implied events to create a fictional teenage relationship story. “august” focuses on longing and impermanence, while “Betty” centers on James’s apology and hope for forgiveness.
A common mix-up is assuming the narrator in “august” is Betty. She is a different character: Betty is James’s former or continuing romantic partner, while Augustine is the girl associated with the summer romance.