# In Which the Prince Collects Opinions by the Way explained — Prince Otto

> Chapter companion for Prince Otto by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

Prince Otto escapes the farm and rides through the countryside, encountering various individuals who share their political and personal views. He meets Fritz, a young revolutionary who mistakes Otto for a fellow radical; a student named Licentiate Roederer who espouses authoritarian ideals; and a drunken countryman who recognizes Otto and accuses him of spying, leading to a tense confrontation about conspiracy and loyalty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Role

Otto grapples with his dual identity as both a prince and a man seeking genuine human connection, leading to misunderstandings with Fritz and the drunken countryman.

### Deception and Betrayal

Otto travels incognito, leading to accusations of spying; the green ribbon medal hints at conspiracy against the prince.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Fritz mistakes Otto for a revolutionary; the licentiate praises Otto as an ideal ruler without knowing his true identity; the drunken man's initial friendliness turns to hostility.

## Character check-ins

### Prince Otto

Travels incognito, collecting opinions from commoners and intellectuals; reflects on his role as prince and husband.

### Fritz

A young revolutionary who escorts Otto partway, showing his secret society medal and expressing radical views.

### Licentiate Roederer

An authoritarian political theorist who praises Otto as an ideal ruler and discusses his writings.

### Doctor Gotthold

Mentioned as the author of a book and as a potential advisor; not physically present.

### Killian Gottesheim

Mentioned as the old farmer Otto left behind; not present in the chapter.

### Ottilia

Mentioned as the girl Otto left at the farm; not present in the chapter.

## Key lines

> Are you not, what they call a socialist?

Fritz asks Otto if he is a socialist.

_Fritz misinterprets Otto's earlier hints as radical political views._

> I am a convinced revolutionary.

Fritz declares himself a committed revolutionary.

_Fritz reveals his secret society affiliation to Otto._

> I would set forward as prince a man of a good, medium understanding, lively rather than deep; a man of courtly manner, possessed of the double art to ingratiate and to command; receptive, accommodating, seductive.

Roederer describes his ideal prince as a charming, adaptable man of average intellect.

_Roederer unknowingly describes Otto himself as the ideal ruler._

> Spy!

The drunken countryman accuses Otto of being a spy.

_The man feels betrayed after Otto tries to end their ride upon being recognized._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/prince_otto_se/chapters