The novel "Adolphe" unfolds across a variety of settings that reflect the protagonist's internal struggles and transient lifestyle. The places where Adolphe resides or visits encapsulate his restless and often aimless existence, mirroring his inherent conflicts and disillusionment. These settings range from charming villages to bustling cities, each contributing to the narrative's exploration of identity, societal expectations, and personal freedom.

Cerenza: A Symbol of Restlessness

Cerenza, a picturesque village by the River Neto in southern Italy, is a significant yet understated setting in "Adolphe." Situated near Cosenza, Cerenza lies in the region of Basilicata despite being depicted as part of Calabria. This locale becomes a temporary refuge for the protagonist and the fictional publisher of his journal, whose reflections bookend the novel. The flooding of the Neto river serves as a metaphor for the transient and unsettled nature of Adolphe's life. His indifference towards his enforced stay in Cerenza is emblematic of his internal turmoil and inability to find contentment through location alone. The publisher poignantly observes that changing places does not inherently lead to personal betterment, underscoring the theme of existential disquiet that permeates Adolphe's journey.

Academic Beginnings in Göttingen

The novel opens in Göttingen, a central German city on the Leine River, marking a pivotal moment in Adolphe's life—the completion of his university studies. Although Adolphe's earlier residence remains ambiguous, his father's role as a minister to a German prince hints at a privileged background. The choice of Göttingen, where Benjamin Constant, the novel's author, once lived, adds an autobiographical layer. This academic setting represents the threshold of adulthood, a point from which Adolphe must navigate the complexities of personal ambition versus societal pressures.

The Enigmatic D——

Following his time in Göttingen, Adolphe moves to a small, unnamed German town referred to only as D——. This locale, possibly inspired by the real town of Duderstadt near Göttingen, is characterized by its enlightened ruler and stark societal norms. Adolphe's disdain for the "artificial and highly-wrought thing called society" is palpable here, echoing Constant's own youthful aversion to tedious court life in Brunswick. The vagueness of D——'s identity enhances its symbolic role as a representation of societal constraints and the superficiality Adolphe seeks to escape.

The Unnamed Hometown in Germany

Adolphe's native Germany, though never fully delineated, looms large as a backdrop of conventional success and stability. His old home, an ancient castle shared with his father, symbolizes the bourgeois prosperity and propriety he is expected to aspire to. However, Adolphe's entanglement with Ellénore complicates his return to this "rightful place." The tension between familial expectations and personal desires becomes more pronounced when Ellénore follows him, leading to their eventual exile. Constant subtly alludes to the sober, conservative milieu of Switzerland, encapsulating the protagonist's struggle with societal norms through the lens of his native land.

Caden: A Bohemian Refuge

In Caden, a quaint Bohemian town, Adolphe and Ellénore find temporary refuge after fleeing Germany. This backwater locale in what is now the Czech Republic, offers a respite albeit one filled with personal conflict. Here, Adolphe's growing resentment towards Ellénore's dependence highlights the strains in their relationship. Ellénore's sacrifice, foregoing a substantial inheritance to remain with Adolphe, amplifies the theme of love's burdens and the choices it necessitates.

Poland: The Final Chapter

Poland, Ellénore's homeland, serves as the stage for the denouement of their ill-fated affair. Her father's exile to Russia and her subsequent upbringing in France create a backdrop of displacement and loss. As Adolphe accompanies her to claim her inheritance near Warsaw, the increasing prominence of place descriptions reflects the narrative's turn towards introspection. The "greyish countryside" and the frozen winter landscape symbolize the bleakness of their relationship's end and Ellénore's resignation to its inevitable dissolution. The detailed portrayal of Poland underscores the themes of exile and emotional isolation, crystallizing the novel's exploration of love, loss, and the pursuit of belonging.