# Letter XXI explained — Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark

> Chapter companion for Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark by Mary Wollstonecraft.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-xxi
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters