# National Identity and Patriotism in Travel Essays

> Theme guide for Travel Essays by Robert Louis Stevenson.

The narrative reflects on Scottish, English, and French identities, expressing a deep love for Scotland while critiquing nationalism, militarism, and the sentimental patriotism of post-war France.

## Where it surfaces

- [Origny Sainte-Benoîte: A By-Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/origny-sainte-beno-te-a-by-day): The chapter explores French patriotism after military defeat, the emotional power of national songs, and the narrator's own reflections on English identity and the loss of the American colonies.
- [Origny Sainte-Benoîte: The Company at Table](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/origny-sainte-beno-te-the-company-at-table): The comparison of French and Scottish attitudes toward politics and religion reveals deep cultural differences in national identity.
- [At Compiègne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/at-compi-gne): The narrator contrasts French and British soldiers, expressing pride in British military bearing and recalling a girl's emotional patriotism.
- [Edinburgh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/edinburgh): Edinburgh is portrayed as a symbol of Scottish national identity, with its history and landmarks reflecting a proud cultural heritage.
- [Introductory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/i-introductory): Edinburgh is portrayed as a symbol of Scottish identity, with its historic role as a capital, its royal palace, and its enduring pride among natives even as they leave.
- [The Parliament Close](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/iii-the-parliament-close): The Parliament Close is a site of Scottish history, from the Union to the legacy of John Knox, evoking a distinct national character.
- [Legends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/iv-legends): Stevenson reflects on Scottish identity through its religious history, legends, and the character of Edinburgh as a symbol of the nation.
- [VIII: The Calton Hill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/viii-the-calton-hill): The Calton Hill's monuments and the unfinished National Monument reflect Scottish national pride and its complexities.
- [Winter and New Year](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/ix-winter-and-new-year): Scottish winter, language, poetry, and customs like curling and Scotch bun are celebrated as markers of national character.
- [Florac](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/florac): The local pride in the Camisard ancestors and the enduring memory of the religious war highlight a strong regional identity.
- [Despised Races](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/despised-races): Stevenson critiques the misuse of American ideals of freedom to justify racial exclusion and hatred.
- [The Old and New Pacific Capitals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/the-old-and-new-pacific-capitals): Explores the clash and transition between Mexican and American national identities in California.
- [Mexicans, Americans, and Indians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/mexicans-americans-and-indians): Explores the clash and blending of Mexican and American identities, and the question of what 'American' means in a multicultural context.
- [San Francisco](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/san-francisco): Stevenson highlights the diverse nationalities in San Francisco, each celebrating their own holidays and maintaining their customs, creating a patchwork of identities rather than a unified American one.
- [Calistoga](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/i-calistoga): The description of Calistoga as a distinctly American town, with its grid layout, local newspaper, and pioneering spirit, reflects a sense of national character.
- [IV: The Scot Abroad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/iv-the-scot-abroad): Explores the profound, almost inexplicable attachment to Scotland that emerges when Scots meet abroad, transcending internal divisions.
- [The Coast of Fife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/the-coast-of-fife): The historical and cultural significance of Fife as part of Scotland, with references to Scottish history and legends.
- [Cockermouth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/cockermouth): The chapter explores the deep gulf between English and Scottish identity, despite shared blood, language, and religion.
- [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations): Edinburgh landmarks such as the Castle, Holyrood, and St. Giles's evoke Scottish national identity.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/themes/national_identity_and_patriotism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/themes