Norway - Mary Wollstonecraft

Summary

'Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark' is a deeply personal and philosophical travelogue penned by Mary Wollstonecraft in 1796. Written in the form of letters addressed to an unnamed lover (believed to be Gilbert Imlay), the book documents her journey through Scandinavia. Wollstonecraft undertook this trip on a business mission for Imlay, seeking to recover a lost ship and its cargo of silver. More profoundly, the journey was a desperate attempt to mend her broken heart after Imlay's betrayal and to find solace and intellectual stimulation amidst the picturesque and rugged landscapes of the Nordic countries.

The narrative blends vivid descriptions of the natural world and observations on the societies, customs, and political structures she encounters with profound introspective reflections on themes of nature, solitude, freedom, virtue, motherhood, and the role of women in society. She critiques conventional societal norms, reflects on the nature of happiness, and grapples with her personal despair, ultimately finding a measure of spiritual renewal and strength through her communion with nature and independent thought. The book is a unique synthesis of travel writing, autobiography, and philosophical discourse.

Book Sections

Section 1

The book opens with Wollstonecraft embarking on her journey, accompanied by her infant daughter, Fanny, and a maid. She is leaving England in a state of deep emotional turmoil, struggling with the pain of betrayal by the man she loves, Gilbert Imlay, for whom she is undertaking this business trip to recover a lost ship and its silver cargo. The initial letters set a melancholic tone, blending her personal sorrow with observations of the journey itself – the sea, the sky, and the gradual detachment from her previous life. She reflects on the nature of happiness, the fickleness of human affection, and the therapeutic power of nature. Her journey takes her first towards Gothenburg, Sweden, allowing her to process her grief while beginning to engage with the new surroundings.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Mary Wollstonecraft	Independent, intelligent, emotionally vulnerable, philosophical, observant, determined.	To fulfill a business mission for her estranged lover; to find solace and recovery from emotional pain; to seek intellectual and spiritual renewal.

Section 2

In Gothenburg, Wollstonecraft begins to observe Swedish society. She notes the stark contrasts between the superficiality of urban life and the simple charm of the countryside. Her reflections touch upon the Swedes' reserved nature, their taste for luxury among the wealthy, and the general character of the people. She describes the architecture, the local customs, and the natural beauty, though always filtered through her reflective and often somber mood. As she travels further north into Sweden, the landscape becomes wilder and more dramatic, providing a backdrop for her ongoing meditations on freedom, the human condition, and the importance of genuine sentiment over societal artifice. She contrasts the artificiality of courts with the rugged authenticity of nature, finding more virtue in the latter.

Section 3

Wollstonecraft crosses into Norway, immediately struck by the raw, untamed beauty of its fjords and forests. This change of scenery seems to uplift her spirit, leading to more vivid and appreciative descriptions. She visits towns like Frederikstad and Tønsberg, observing the industriousness and relative simplicity of the Norwegian people, particularly the fishermen and peasants, whom she often contrasts favorably with the more sophisticated but perhaps less genuine city dwellers. She delves into practical matters of her mission, seeking out merchants and agents involved in the recovery of the silver, which often frustrates her due to bureaucratic delays and perceived dishonesty. Her philosophical reflections here turn to the concept of liberty, the corrupting influence of power, and the importance of education for fostering rational thought and moral virtue, especially for women. She notes the unique social structures and greater equality she perceives among the Norwegians compared to other European nations.

Section 4

Continuing her journey through various Norwegian towns, Wollstonecraft deepens her observations on the natural environment and its influence on the human character. She describes the resilience of the people in the face of a harsh climate and their independent spirit. She reflects on the concept of property, arguing that excessive wealth corrupts both individuals and societies. Her journey leads her to Christiania (modern-day Oslo), where she observes a more cosmopolitan society, attending social gatherings and noting the manners and intellectual pursuits of the inhabitants. Despite these engagements, she often feels a sense of alienation, preferring the solitude of nature and the company of her own thoughts. She continues to struggle with her emotional wounds, acknowledging her deep love for Imlay even as she critiques his actions and the patriarchal norms that allow men such freedoms.

Section 5

As Wollstonecraft begins her return journey, she travels through Denmark, visiting Helsingør (Elsinore) and Copenhagen. Her observations shift to Danish society, the impact of monarchy, and the cultural differences she perceives. She finds the Danish people to be more refined but also more submissive than the Norwegians. Her reflections return to the broader themes of human rights, political justice, and the universal quest for happiness. The journey, both physical and emotional, reaches its conclusion as she grapples with the prospect of returning to England and facing her personal difficulties. The final letters are a powerful synthesis of her travel experiences, her philosophical insights, and her enduring personal struggles, ultimately revealing her newfound strength and resilience, gained through introspection and communion with nature. She expresses a desire for authentic relationships and a life lived in accordance with reason and virtue.

Genre

Travelogue, epistolary novel, autobiography, philosophical treatise.

Author Facts

• Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was an English writer, philosopher, and advocate of women's rights.
• She is best known for 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman' (1792), in which she argues for the equality of men and women, primarily through education.
• Wollstonecraft led an unconventional life for her time, pursuing a career as a writer and living independently.
• She had several complex relationships, most notably with Gilbert Imlay (father of her first daughter, Fanny) and William Godwin (father of her second daughter, Mary Shelley, author of 'Frankenstein').
• She died shortly after giving birth to Mary Shelley due to complications from childbirth.
• Her work was controversial during her lifetime but has since become foundational to feminist philosophy.

Morality and Curiosities

Morality/Lesson:
The primary moral or lesson of 'Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark' is the profound connection between nature, reason, and personal freedom. Wollstonecraft argues that true happiness and virtue stem from an authentic engagement with the world, guided by rational thought and independent sentiment, rather than conforming to societal conventions or succumbing to superficial desires. The book emphasizes the restorative power of nature for the human spirit, the importance of education for both men and women, and the necessity of individual liberty for societal progress. It also serves as a testament to human resilience in the face of profound emotional pain and betrayal, demonstrating how one can find strength and renewal through introspection and a re-evaluation of one's values.

Curiosities:

• A "Love Letter": Although a travelogue, the letters are addressed to her estranged lover, Gilbert Imlay. They serve as a poignant attempt to explain her emotional state and perhaps to provoke his sympathy or regret, making it one of the most personal travel accounts ever written.
• Precursor to Romanticism: The book is often considered a proto-Romantic work, predating many of the major Romantic poets. Its emphasis on nature, emotion, individual experience, and the sublime deeply influenced figures like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.
• Influenced by Suicide Attempts: Wollstonecraft made two suicide attempts in the period leading up to and immediately following this journey, largely due to her despair over Imlay's desertion. The journey itself can be seen as part of her psychological recovery.
• Inspired Mary Shelley: Her daughter, Mary Shelley, author of 'Frankenstein,' cited her mother's 'Letters' as an inspiration for the travel elements and the philosophical underpinnings of her own novel.
• Focus on Scandinavia: While many contemporary travelogues focused on the Grand Tour destinations of Southern Europe, Wollstonecraft's choice of Scandinavia was unusual and provided fresh perspectives on less-explored regions and their unique cultures.