Well, father, in the shipwreck of life, for life is an eternal shipwreck of our hopes, I cast into the sea my useless encumbrance, that is all, and I remain with my own will, disposed to live perfectly alone, and, consequently, perfectly free. {Eugenie to her father}
Eugenie expresses a profound realization about life, comparing it to a shipwreck where hopes are often dashed. She acknowledges the burden of her past attachments, deciding to cast them aside to embrace her independence. This metaphor highlights her desire to be free from societal expectations and emotional encumbrances that hinder her true self.
Her declaration to her father emphasizes a strong wish for autonomy, suggesting that true freedom comes from within. By choosing solitude over reliance on others, Eugenie highlights her resolve to live authentically and according to her own values, thereby seeking a life that is fulfilling on her terms.
