Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark · Chapter
Letter XX explained
Wollstonecraft reflects on the cultural and social state of Denmark, critiquing the court's parsimony, the lack of artistic and literary encouragement, and the dullness of society.
What happens
Wollstonecraft reflects on the cultural and social state of Denmark, critiquing the court's parsimony, the lack of artistic and literary encouragement, and the dullness of society. She visits the palace of Rosembourg, the public library, and a theatre, offering observations on the Danish character, the role of Count Bernstorff, and the condition of the King. She also contrasts French and English popular amusements, lamenting the prevalence of drinking over intellectual improvement.
Themes in this chapter
Social Critique and Class
Wollstonecraft criticizes the Danish court's parsimony, the manipulation of the King, and the lack of encouragement for arts and sciences, highlighting the stagnation of society.
Reason vs. Sentiment
She contrasts the 'delicacy of sentiment' that produces genius with the 'dullness' of routine, and reflects on her own 'jaundiced eye of melancholy' as a lens for observation.
Commerce and Morality
She notes the absence of the 'enterprising spirit of commerce' in fostering culture, and criticizes drinking as an impediment to improvement, contrasting it with French sobriety.
Characters to notice
- Mary Wollstonecraft
Narrator and observer, reflecting on Danish society, court life, and her own melancholy.
- Count Bernstorff
Described as the real sovereign, manipulating the passive King and Prince Royal.
- Matilda
Referenced in connection with the English-style gardens at Hirsholm, which she wished to multiply.
- Gilbert Imlay
Addressee of the letter, implied by 'God bless you!' and the personal tone.
Key passages
“I have sometimes thought it a great misfortune for individuals to acquire a certain delicacy of sentiment, which often makes them weary of the common occurrences of life; yet it is this very delicacy of feeling and thinking which probably has produced most of the performances that have benefited mankind.”
Wollstonecraft reflects that while refined sensitivity can make everyday life feel tedious, it is precisely this quality that has led to humanity's greatest achievements.
Explores the paradox of sensibility as both a burden and a source of genius.
“The Prince Royal, determined to be economical, almost descends to parsimony; and perhaps depresses his subjects, by labouring not to oppress them; for his intentions always seem to be good—yet nothing can give a more forcible idea of the dullness which eats away all activity of mind, than the insipid routine of a court, without magnificence or elegance.”
The Prince Royal's frugality, though well-intentioned, stifles intellectual and cultural life, creating a dull court atmosphere.
Critique of misguided austerity and its deadening effect on society.
“Intoxication is the pleasure of savages, and of all those whose employments rather exhaust their animal spirits than exercise their faculties.”
Drinking is a crude pleasure for those whose work tires the body without engaging the mind.
Contrasts physical labor with intellectual stimulation, linking drunkenness to lack of improvement.