Final answer:
Eugénie's statement in 'The Count of Monte Cristo' reveals her desire for autonomy and creative freedom, rejecting the traditional role of women at the time. Her sentiments echo the actions of historical figures like Rosa Bonheur and Elisabeth Louise Vigée-Le Brun, who also prioritized artistic careers and personal independence over societal expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Eugénie in The Count of Monte Cristo declares, “My vocation was not to chain myself to a household or the whims of a man, whoever he might be. I was born to be an artist and to be free,” we learn that she sees herself as an individual with her own calling and desires, which is contrary to the traditional expectations placed upon women of her time. This reflects a broader theme in literature and history, where women have sought to break free from societal norms to pursue their own ambitions and creative passions. Historical figures such as Rosa Bonheur and Elisabeth Louise Vigée-Le Brun show similar traits of independence, as both challenged traditional gender roles by pursuing successful careers in the arts and refusing to limit themselves exclusively to marriage and domestic life. Bonheur, for example, had to obtain a special license to wear men's clothing to ease her participation in public painting, while Vigée-Le Brun achieved acclaim even when denied access to formal institutions because of her association with the art dealer husband. These women sought freedom and self-expression, just as Eugénie does, casting off societal constraints to embrace their vocation.