# Endnotes explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Herman Melville.

## What happens

The endnotes provide editorial commentary, source attributions, and manuscript revisions for Melville's works, including notes on the Encantadas, Billy Budd, and the rejected 'Two Temples' manuscript, along with a letter from Putnam's Monthly editor Charles F. Briggs.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence vs. Evil

The omitted passage from Billy Budd mentions 'innocence and infirmary, spiritual depravity and fair respite,' highlighting the theme.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The editor's letter notes the 'pungent satire' and moral of the 'Two Temples,' contrasting outward religious appearance with inner reality.

## Character check-ins

### Oberlus

Referenced in endnotes regarding sources for his character depiction and the letter found in his hut.

### Hunilla

Mentioned in the editor's letter about the 'Chola Widow' sketch and the cross in the ass's neck.

### Billy Budd

Referenced in endnotes regarding manuscript revisions and the omitted passage about 'innocence and infirmary'.

### Captain the Honourable Edward Fairfax Vere

Mentioned in endnotes regarding the vessel name 'Bellipotent' and manuscript notes.

### John Claggart

Referenced in endnotes concerning manuscript revisions and the 'heretic thought' note.

### The Narrator (Two Temples: First)

Associated with the rejected 'Two Temples' manuscript discussed in the editor's letter.

### The Narrator (Encantadas)

Referenced in endnotes regarding sources for the Encantadas sketches and Porter's Voyage.

## Key lines

> The American Spaniards have long been in the habit of making presents of islands to deserving individuals. The pilot Juan Fernandez procured a deed of the isle named after him, and for some years resided there before Selkirk came.

Spanish colonizers often granted islands as gifts; Juan Fernandez received his namesake island and lived there before Selkirk.

_Historical context for the Encantadas._

> I am very loth to reject the 'Two Temples' as the article contains some exquisitely fine description, and some pungent satire, but my editorial experience compels me to be very careful in offending the religious sensibilities of the public.

The editor regretted rejecting the piece due to its quality but feared offending religious audiences.

_Editorial caution regarding religious satire._

> Here ends a story not unwarranted by what happens in this incongruous world of ours—innocence and infirmary, spiritual depravity and fair respite.

The story concludes, reflecting the world's mix of innocence, suffering, depravity, and relief.

_Author's note on Billy Budd's thematic conclusion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_28_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_28_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_28_se/chapters