# Endnotes explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by M. R. James.

## What happens

The endnotes provide scholarly references and clarifications for the preceding narrative, including details about a canon's death, a misattribution regarding Mr. Rogers, and sources on the Premonstratensian abbey of Steinfeld, as well as Latin quotations and a note on entomology.

## Themes in this chapter

### Antiquarianism and the Past

The endnotes cite historical and scholarly sources such as the Gallia Christiana and Erhard's work, reflecting a deep engagement with antiquarian research.

### Guardianship of Secrets

The Latin quotations, including 'Keep that which is committed to thee,' evoke the idea of guarding hidden knowledge or treasures.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Rogers

Mentioned in a note correcting his error regarding a reference in Dombey and Son.

### Abbot Thomas

Referenced indirectly through the account of the Premonstratensian abbey of Steinfeld and the lives of its abbots.

## Key lines

> He died that summer; his daughter married, and settled at St. Papoul. She never understood the circumstances of her father's 'obsession.'

The canon died that summer; his daughter married and moved to St. Papoul, never comprehending the reasons for her father's fixation.

_Clarifies the aftermath of the canon's death and his daughter's ignorance of his experiences._

> The Gallia Christiana gives the date of the Canon's death as December 31, 1701, 'in bed, of a sudden seizure.'

According to the Gallia Christiana, the canon died suddenly in bed on December 31, 1701.

_Provides the official record of the canon's death._

> Mr. Rogers was wrong, vide Dombey and Son, chapter XII.

Mr. Rogers made an error; see chapter XII of Dombey and Son for the correct reference.

_Corrects a mistake attributed to Mr. Rogers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_35_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters