# Farewell, Modestine! explained — Travel Essays

> Chapter companion for Travel Essays by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

The narrator sells his donkey Modestine after she is deemed unfit for travel, reflecting on their journey together and the emotional loss he feels upon parting with her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom vs. Confinement

The narrator sells Modestine to gain freedom, but immediately feels the emotional weight of losing her companionship.

### Human Connection and Community

The narrator helps a local woman with English circulars and reflects on the bond formed with Modestine over twelve days of travel.

## Character check-ins

### Modestine

The donkey is sold after being pronounced unfit for travel; the narrator reflects on their companionship and her virtues.

### Father Adam

Mentioned as having wept when he sold Modestine to the narrator.

## Key lines

> I had bought freedom into the bargain.

The sale of Modestine not only brought money but also liberated the narrator from the burden of traveling with a donkey.

_Highlights the trade-off between freedom and companionship._

> And oh! The difference to me!

The narrator suddenly feels the profound loss of Modestine after she is gone.

_Emphasizes the emotional impact of parting with a travel companion._

> She was patient, elegant in form, the colour of an ideal mouse, and inimitably small.

Modestine was gentle, beautifully shaped, mouse-colored, and uniquely petite.

_Describes the donkey's physical and temperamental qualities._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/farewell-modestine
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/travel_essays_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters