Prince Otto · Chapter
Bibliographical Postscript to Complete the Story explained
This postscript provides a bibliographical account of the fates of the characters after the main story.
What happens
This postscript provides a bibliographical account of the fates of the characters after the main story. It references historical memoirs, Sir John's published works, a private poetry volume by 'Frédéric et Amélie' (Otto and Seraphina), and traces of Gondremark and his Countess found in the diary of J. Hogg Cotterill.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Role
Otto and Seraphina adopt the pseudonyms Frédéric and Amélie, shedding their royal identities for a quiet domestic life.
Redemption and Forgiveness
The couple's peaceful aging together suggests a reconciliation and redemption after the conflicts of the main story.
Characters to notice
- Herr Greisengesang
His memoirs are cited as the best account of the Republic's fate.
- Licentiate Roederer
Author of the memoirs of Greisengesang, though he exaggerates his own role.
- Sir John Crabtree
His memoirs are mentioned; the torn chapter on Grünewald is explained as a dramatic gesture rather than deletion.
- Prince Otto
Co-author of the poetry volume 'Poésies par Frédéric et Amélie', aging peacefully with Seraphina.
- Princess Seraphina
Co-author of the poetry volume, living quietly with Otto at her father's court.
- Baron von Gondremark
Mentioned in Swinburne's and Hugo's works; later seen in Naples with his wife.
- Baroness Gondremark
Appears in Cotterill's diary as a refined and witty woman in Naples.
- Mr. Cotterill
His diary records meeting the Gondremarks in Naples.
Key passages
“The reader well informed in modern history will not require details as to the fate of the Republic.”
Readers who know modern history already understand what happened to the Republic.
Opens the postscript by assuming the reader's historical knowledge.
“Sir John, who plays but a tooth-comb in the orchestra of this historical romance, blows in his own book the big bassoon.”
Sir John's role in this story is minor, but in his own memoirs he makes himself the central figure.
Contrasts Sir John's modest part in the romance with his self-importance in his own writing.
“Here, at least, we may take leave of Otto and Seraphina—what do I say? of Frédéric and Amélie—ageing together peaceably at the court of the wife’s father, jingling French rhymes and correcting joint proofs.”
We can finally say goodbye to Otto and Seraphina, now living quietly as Frédéric and Amélie, growing old together at her father's court, writing French poetry and editing each other's work.
Describes the couple's peaceful retirement and shared literary hobby.