Gift from the Sea | Social Concerns/Themes

Lindbergh identifies women's need for self-realization and the balancing act demanded of women caught between reality and romantic illusions about their role in society. She focuses on the problems of fragmentation caused by the increasing choices both women and men face as the result of the social changes realized by the ideals of feminism. Warning of a certain destructiveness and instability in competitive American society, Lindbergh observes that the overwhelming distractions and pressures women find in their new roles place multiple demands on their time and energy. Gift from the Sea recognizes these problems and pressures, but also offers readers an optimistic direction with possible solutions for overcoming this Zerissenheit or "tearing apartness." Woven into the narrative are themes of marriage, friendship, coming of age, individualism, and spiritual fulfillment.

The narrative, presented as a series of reflections, is inspired by the narrator's week-long retreat at the beach. During the course of the retreat the narrator gathers seashells that lead her to contemplate various stages and patterns in women's lives. Each of the shells suggests qualities that offer women the means to attain the sense of personal awareness essential to their search for self-fulfillment. The first step in the quest for self-fulfillment is to gain self-knowledge. The process of gaining self-knowledge, or coming of age, involves a period of complete immersion in creative activity or in solitary contemplation; it is a process of learning "to stand alone." Lindbergh asserts that self-knowledge will permit women the possibility of more satisfying relationships and the sense of balance they desire in their lives. Once a woman has accomplished an awareness of her own creative identity and individuality, she will then be able to communicate, and enjoy the emotional growth a relationship based on the union of two wholes will allow. This "pure" relationship finds expression in the Double Sunrise Shell, "two flawless halves bound together with a single hinge."

Lindbergh stresses the need for moments of contemplation and solitude, particularly during the "full house" stage, recognizing the demands on those women who wish to fulfill roles as both wife and mother. It is her assertion that the confidence gained through self-awareness will enable her to fulfill these roles without losing herself to them. Lindbergh views life as a process of continual growth. She welcomes the later and middle stages of life as an opportunity to shed the ambitions and possessions of youth. It is this stage, symbolized by the Argonauta, that celebrates the possibility of achieving spiritual fulfillment and a sense of "wholeness." Although rare, the Argonauta accomplishes the balance of the physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual self.

Lindbergh's insight provides a sensitive expression of the complex social issues facing contemporary American women. Her philosophy suggests that patience, faith and an openness to change will prepare the way for self-awareness. By reevaluating female and male roles without abandoning aesthetic, emotional and spiritual values, Lindbergh realizes a greater individuality and equality for both sexes. By redefining feminism from a humanistic perspective, Lindbergh makes it more accessible.