# IV: Babes in the Wood explained — Prince Otto

> Chapter companion for Prince Otto by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

Prince Otto and Princess Seraphina meet in the forest after her flight from the palace. Both are burdened with guilt and regret, but they reconcile through mutual forgiveness and a renewed, humble love. They plan to escape to Otto's hunting lodge, sharing a tender moment in a secluded glade where they vow to begin anew, while the Republic is declared in Mittwalden.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Forgiveness

Both Otto and Seraphina seek and grant forgiveness, finding renewal in their relationship despite past betrayals.

### Love and Marriage

Their marriage is redefined through humility and mutual service, moving from duty to genuine affection.

### Identity and Role

Otto sheds his princely identity to become 'Otto the Hunter,' and Seraphina abandons her queenly pride for a simpler, more honest self.

## Character check-ins

### Prince Otto

Runs to find Seraphina, struggles with pride and diffidence, offers brotherly love, then confesses his enduring devotion and leads their escape.

### Princess Seraphina

Flees after the coup, confesses her faults and remorse, reaches out to Otto, and accepts his love and guidance.

## Key lines

> I have ruined all! But, Otto, in kindness you must hear me—not justify, but own, my faults. I have been taught so cruelly; I have had such time for thought, and see the world so changed.

Seraphina admits she has destroyed everything and asks Otto to listen as she confesses her mistakes, having learned a harsh lesson and now seeing things differently.

_Seraphina's confession and plea for understanding._

> My love is changed; it is purged of any conjugal pretension; it does not ask, does not hope, does not wish for a return in kind.

Otto declares his love is now selfless, free from expectations of marital reciprocation, offering only brotherly affection.

_Otto's attempt to reassure Seraphina of his pure intentions._

> Look round you at this glade, and where the leaves are coming on young trees, and the flowers begin to blossom. This is where we meet, meet for the first time; it is so much better to forget and to be born again.

Seraphina suggests they treat this forest glade as a place of new beginning, where they can forget the past and start fresh.

_Seraphina's symbolic invitation to renewal._

> I owed that man a reparation; for when we met I was in the wrong and put a sore affront upon him. I judge by myself, perhaps; but I begin to think that no one is the better for a humiliation.

Otto reflects that he needed to make amends to the miller, and muses that humiliation rarely improves anyone.

_Otto's reflection on humility and reparation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/prince_otto_se/chapters/iv-babes-in-the-wood
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/prince_otto_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/prince_otto_se/chapters