Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands · Chapter
XIX explained
As peace is declared, Mary Seacole reflects on the end of the Crimean War, the bittersweet farewells from soldiers, the financial ruin caused by the sudden peace, her visits to the cemeteries, and her final departure from the Crimea.
What happens
As peace is declared, Mary Seacole reflects on the end of the Crimean War, the bittersweet farewells from soldiers, the financial ruin caused by the sudden peace, her visits to the cemeteries, and her final departure from the Crimea.
Themes in this chapter
Compassion and Community
Mary Seacole's deep care for soldiers is shown through her visits to cemeteries, planting flowers on graves, and the heartfelt farewells and letters from grateful men.
Resilience and Determination
Despite facing financial ruin from the sudden peace, Mary Seacole continues to engage with her surroundings, making excursions and preparing to start anew.
Imperialism and War
The chapter reflects on the end of the war, the camaraderie among Allied forces, and the lingering presence of death and sacrifice in the Crimean cemeteries.
Characters to notice
- Mary Seacole
Narrates the chapter; organizes a farewell party, visits cemeteries, negotiates with Russians, and finally leaves the Crimea.
- Colonel B⸺
Interprets Mary Seacole's speech at the 47th regiment's farewell party.
- W. J. Tynan
A grateful soldier who writes a letter thanking Mary Seacole for her care during the cholera outbreak.
Key passages
“I had grown so accustomed to the honour that I had no difficulty in returning thanks in a speech which Colonel B⸺ interpreted amid roars of laughter to the French guests.”
Mary Seacole was so used to being honored that she easily gave a thank-you speech, which Colonel B⸺ translated to the French guests, causing much laughter.
Shows her comfort with public recognition and the camaraderie between Allied troops.
“I value the letters received from the working men far more than the testimonials of their officers. I had nothing to gain from the former, and can point to their testimony fearlessly.”
Mary Seacole treasures letters from ordinary soldiers more than those from officers, as they are unbiased and sincere.
Highlights her humility and the genuine gratitude of the common soldiers.
“It makes my heart sick to talk of the really alarming sacrifices we made. The Russians crowded down ostensibly to purchase, in reality to plunder.”
Mary Seacole is distressed by the huge financial losses they suffered, as Russians came to buy but actually took advantage of the situation.
Illustrates the economic impact of peace on her business.
“I lingered behind, and stooping down, once more gathered little tufts of grass, and some simple blossoms from above the graves of some who in life had been very kind to me, and I left behind, in exchange, a few tears which were sincere.”
She stayed behind at the cemetery to pick grass and flowers from the graves of friends, leaving her tears as a heartfelt tribute.
Emphasizes her emotional connection to the fallen soldiers.