# XVI: Leave-Takings explained — The Blithedale Romance

> Chapter companion for The Blithedale Romance by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

## What happens

Coverdale announces his departure from Blithedale for a short visit to the seaside, citing health reasons. He takes leave of Zenobia, Priscilla, and Hollingsworth, noting the changed atmosphere and his growing discontent. He reflects on the impact of his quarrel with Hollingsworth on the community and his desire for temporary novelty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Idealism vs. Reality

Coverdale's disillusionment with Blithedale reflects the gap between the community's utopian ideals and the practical difficulties of sustaining them.

### Gender Roles and Women's Rights

Zenobia's remark that women have no rights highlights the limited agency of women, even within a progressive community.

### Secrecy and Identity

Coverdale's sense of hidden changes and unspoken tensions among the characters underscores the theme of concealed emotions and identities.

## Character check-ins

### Miles Coverdale

Decides to leave Blithedale temporarily, feeling discontent and a need for change; reflects on his relationships and the community's altered mood.

### Zenobia

Bids Coverdale farewell with a pitying look; speaks of women's rights and hints at personal turmoil, declining to confide in him.

### Priscilla

Gives Coverdale a purse as a keepsake; expresses a wish for no change and shows calm self-possession.

### Mr. Hollingsworth

Passes Coverdale on the doorstep without acknowledgment, their friendship having ended after their quarrel.

### Silas Foster

Grumbles about Coverdale leaving during the busy season, skeptical of his health excuse.

## Key lines

> Women possess no rights, said Zenobia, with a half-melancholy smile; or, at all events, only little girls and grandmothers would have the force to exercise them.

Zenobia claims that women have no rights, and only the very young or very old could possibly assert any.

_Highlights Zenobia's cynical view on women's rights and her own powerlessness._

> Things are not as they were! it keeps saying. You shall not impose on me! I will never be quiet! I will throb painfully! I will be heavy, and desolate, and shiver with cold! For I, your deep heart, know when to be miserable, as once I knew when to be happy! All is changed for us! You are beloved no more!

Coverdale's inner heart rebels against the denial of change, insisting that he is no longer loved and that happiness has turned to misery.

_Illustrates Coverdale's emotional turmoil and the theme of disillusionment._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blithedale_romance_se/chapters