Napoleon's Boredom and Intellectual Pursuits During His Exile on St. Helena

Forgotten by much of the world for six long years, Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the remote island of St. Helena. For many who know Napoleon, his life and military campaigns are well-documented, but what did he do during his time on this isolated island? This article delves into his daily activities, intellectual pursuits, and the significance of these years in his life.

Wandering and Supervision

Despite being in a highly controlled environment, Napoleon was granted some privileges during his imprisonment. He was allowed to roam freely around the island of St. Helena as long as he was supervised by an English officer. This freedom, however, was strictly monitored, providing little actual liberty. Additionally, he was constantly under the watchful eyes of British troops, which made the experience quite dull.

One of the main activities Napoleon engaged in was frequent walks around the island. According to historical accounts, he would often stroll in the pleasant climate of St. Helena, taking in the environment and experiencing the beautiful surroundings away from the chaos and constant war that had defined much of his life.

Conversations and Social Interactions

While on St. Helena, Napoleon also spent time engaging in conversations with the local English folks at Jamestown. It is documented that he developed a friendly relationship with a young daughter of the commander. The relationship extended beyond polite conversation as Napoleon purportedly taught her chess, sharing his vast knowledge of the game. Beyond the chess lessons, he also reminiscenced about his military exploits, painting a vivid picture of his experiences to his young student.

The Monumental Task: Writing His Memoirs

Not surprisingly, one of the primary focuses of Napoleon's time on St. Helena was the dictation of his memoirs. This monumental task was likely undertaken to preserve his legacy and provide a comprehensive account of his life and reign. He had a trusty man servant who helped him, and likely some other housekeepers to manage day-to-day tasks. The act of writing his memoirs became a significant intellectual pursuit, one that kept him occupied and provided a sense of purpose in his isolation.

The Memorial was not just a written account but a testament to his ego and his belief in his reign. In his isolation, he was carefully crafting his image and his place in history. The memos were meticulously composed, with Napoleon dictating them and his trusted servant recording them. This process was likely quite laborious and a reflection of Napoleon's determination to ensure the permanence of his legacy in the minds and histories of future generations.

Conclusion

The six years Napoleon spent on St. Helena were marked by both frustration and intellectual engagement. While he was under strict supervision and unable to engage in many of the activities that once filled his days, he found different ways to occupy himself and leave a lasting legacy. From dictating his memoirs to teaching a young girl about chess and his military exploits, Napoleon's time on St. Helena was a period of deep reflection and intellectual pursuit.