Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands · Chapter
XVI explained
Mary Seacole recounts the events surrounding the assault on the Redan on June 18th, the deaths of General E⸺ and Lord Raglan, the subsequent depression and then plenty in the camp, the plague of flies, and her own work under fire, including
What happens
Mary Seacole recounts the events surrounding the assault on the Redan on June 18th, the deaths of General E⸺ and Lord Raglan, the subsequent depression and then plenty in the camp, the plague of flies, and her own work under fire, including during the battle of the Tchernaya.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience and Determination
Mary's relentless drive to serve under fire, preparing supplies and venturing onto the battlefield despite danger.
Nursing and Healing
Mary's role in carrying lint, bandages, and medicines to the front lines, and her work attending wounded men.
Compassion and Community
The kindness shown by officers and soldiers to Mary, and her own compassion for the fallen and the grieving.
Imperialism and War
The brutal realities of the Crimean War, including the assault, deaths of leaders, and the cholera epidemic.
Characters to notice
- Mary Seacole
Narrator and protagonist; describes her experiences under fire, her preparations before the assault, and her presence at Lord Raglan's funeral.
- Lord Raglan
The British commander whose death and funeral are described in detail; noted for his kindness and care for his men.
- Mr. Day
Mary's partner at the British Hotel; mentioned in the context of her restless behavior before the assault.
- Sir John C⸺
A kind patron of Mary; his body was stripped by the Russians after the assault on the Redan.
- Lady C⸺
Former lodger in Jamaica; mentioned as the wife of Sir John C⸺.
- Lord W⸺
Purchased a wagon at General E⸺'s sale and later sold it to Mary at a lower price.
- General E⸺
A good customer who died of cholera; his widow gave Mary useful items before leaving the Crimea.
Key passages
“I never saw such heartfelt gloom as that which brooded on the faces of his attendants; but it was good to hear how they all, even the humblest, had some kind memory of the great general whom Providence had called from his post at such a season of danger and distress.”
The deep sorrow on the faces of Lord Raglan's attendants was unlike anything I had witnessed, yet it was heartening to hear even the lowliest among them recall the general's kindness.
Mary reflects on the universal respect for Lord Raglan at his funeral.
“I shall never forget those Crimean flies, and most sincerely hope that, like the Patagonians, they are only to be found in one part of the world.”
The flies in the Crimea were unforgettable, and I truly hope they exist nowhere else on earth.
Mary humorously laments the plague of flies.
“That battlefield was a fearful sight for a woman to witness, and if I do not pray God that I may never see its like again, it is because I wish to be useful all my life, and it is in scenes of horror and distress that a woman can do so much.”
The battlefield was a terrifying spectacle for any woman, but I refrain from praying never to see such again because I want to remain useful, and it is in moments of horror that a woman can be most helpful.
Mary explains her paradoxical desire to be present in scenes of suffering.
