Isak Dinesen deliberately chose to set her gothic tales in bygone eras, driven by a desire to escape the clutches of realism and to prevent her readers from seeking it. "Here, no temptation for me to fall back into realism, nor for my readers to look for it," she remarked, highlighting her intention to weave narratives unbound by the ordinary constraints of the real world. The term "gothic" in the title of her collection underscores her kinship with the Romantic epoch epitomized by figures like Lord Byron. The tales' dark allure and brooding characters find their roots in the Romantic period's erotic heroes and demoniac daredevils, figures who provided Dinesen with her initial glimpses of unbridled emotional freedom. This theme of liberation is vividly manifested in the three central characters she crafted, each an embodiment of the reckless yet passionate spirit of Romantic literature.

Morten, though born into the eminent ranks of aristocracy and hailed as a hero by the people of Elsinore, chooses a path as unpredictable as it is audacious. He forsakes both his betrothed and his esteemed position in society to embrace the lawless freedom of piracy. In a world where most cling to convention and safety, Morten’s choices mark him as a figure of daring nonconformity. His heart, captivated by the siren call of the sea, drives him to seize a ship—a bold act that fulfills his deepest desires but also seals his fate.

In pursuing this life at sea, Morten embodies a unique brand of heroism, one that is rooted in the acceptance of risk and the readiness to face its consequences. This philosophy champions the individual's right to carve out their own path and realize their true self, no matter the cost. Morten’s journey is not one of regret or penitence; even as the specter of death looms, his thoughts linger not on remorse but on La Belle Eliza, the embodiment of his dreams.

His looming end by hanging does not taint his spirit. Instead, it underscores his commitment to a destiny he chose freely, a testament to living life unshackled by societal expectations. Morten’s narrative is one of unconventional heroism, where the ultimate triumph is not measured by survival but by the authenticity of one’s journey.

Eliza, despite being labeled an “old maid,” embodies her Romantic destiny through her beauty and grace, which seem to transcend time and age. This transformation is vividly captured when she contemplates La Belle Eliza, the ship that carries her namesake. In her mind's eye, the vessel sails majestically, its full white sails billowing against the sky, evoking a sense of youthful vitality and promise. In this moment of imagination, Eliza appears rejuvenated, her demeanor reminiscent of a young girl. The white streamers of her cap, far from being merely an elder's ornamentation, become the adornment of a pure and impassioned bride. This enchanting vision allows Eliza to momentarily escape the constraints of her reality, embodying the romantic ideal of beauty and grace poised on the brink of adventure.

In the story's unfolding, Fanny emerges as a poignant figure, seemingly alone in her unfulfilled desires by the tale's end. Yet, her steadfastness in holding onto her dreams and aspirations sets her apart. Unlike others who may have succumbed to a life of mediocrity, Fanny's journey is marked by her unwavering belief in a destiny beyond the mundane. When faced with Morten's inevitable return to Hell, she pleads to accompany him, a testament to her yearning for a deeper connection and purpose. Although Morten cannot oblige, the narrative leaves us with a compelling hint that Fanny's path will soon intertwine with the enigmatic realms of the nether world, embracing her Romantic destiny with open arms.