Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark · Chapter
Letter XXI explained
Wollstonecraft reflects on her meeting with Count Bernstorff, critiquing his cautious and reputation-conscious character.
What happens
Wollstonecraft reflects on her meeting with Count Bernstorff, critiquing his cautious and reputation-conscious character. She observes the Danish aversion to innovation and the pleasant but unremarkable surroundings of Copenhagen, while expressing a desire to leave for Hamburg. The chapter ends with a melancholic farewell.
Themes in this chapter
Social Critique and Class
Wollstonecraft critiques Count Bernstorff's cautious governance and the Danish aversion to innovation, reflecting on societal stagnation.
Travel and Self-Discovery
Wollstonecraft's observations of Copenhagen's landscapes and her melancholic longing to depart highlight the introspective nature of her journey.
Characters to notice
- Mary Wollstonecraft
Narrator and observer, reflecting on Count Bernstorff and Danish society.
- Count Bernstorff
Described as a worthy but cautious minister, vain of his virtue and averse to bold action.
Key passages
“He is a worthy man, a little vain of his virtue à la Necker; and more anxious not to do wrong, that is to avoid blame, than desirous of doing good; especially if any particular good demands a change.”
Count Bernstorff is a respectable man, somewhat proud of his moral character like Necker, and more concerned with avoiding criticism than with actively pursuing beneficial reforms, particularly if those reforms require significant change.
Wollstonecraft critiques Bernstorff's cautious and reputation-focused approach to governance.
“The Danes, in general, seem extremely averse to innovation, and if happiness only consist in opinion, they are the happiest people in the world; for I never saw any so well satisfied with their own situation.”
The Danish people appear very resistant to change, and if happiness is merely a matter of perception, they might be the happiest, as I have never seen anyone so content with their circumstances.
Wollstonecraft observes the Danish contentment with the status quo, linking it to a lack of desire for innovation.
“How dull, flat, and unprofitable Are to me all the usages of this world: That it should come to this!”
Everything in this world seems tedious, meaningless, and unproductive to me—how has it come to this?
Wollstonecraft quotes Hamlet to express her deep melancholy and disillusionment.