“It’s an odd feeling, farewell. There’s some envy in it. Men go off to be tested for courage and if we’re tested at all, it’s for patience, for doing without.” This quote is from Meryl Streep’s character in Out of Africa and refers to her husband regularly going on safari (and war) and leaving her to take care of their home.
The story is the autobiographical account of Danish Baroness Karen Blixen who penned the book under the name Isak Dinesen. She documents her experience as a European settle in East Africa in the early 1900’s.
What’s so striking to me is that the Baroness constantly struggles with the constraints imposed upon her for that time period, yet she is very progressive. She’s told numerous times by the conservative European men in Africa to be very careful because of her sassy attitude, yet she maintains her adventurous attitude. She surrounds herself with her fine china and furniture which has been shipped from Europe, yet she is far kinder and more attached to her servants and farm-workers than most others in the film (with the exception of her lover, Robert Redford).
Today, it’s more common that women are saying the farewells before departing on a journey. And when we do stay home, it’s by choice with little feeling of envy. But, while we’ve come a long way, baby, women do still struggle with constraints that are either societal or self imposed. In the end, what matters most is to follow your calling, honor what is most important to you, and to be respectful of others in the process. In this way, Baroness Blixen succeeded.
Happy Travels!
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