# Endnotes explained — Table-Talk

> Chapter companion for Table-Talk by William Hazlitt.

## What happens

The endnotes provide a collection of references, anecdotes, and clarifications that support the main text, including literary allusions, historical notes, and personal reflections on art, criticism, and society.

## Themes in this chapter

### Criticism and Critical Practice

The endnotes include critiques of actors, artists, and writers, reflecting on the nature of critical judgment.

### Fame, Reputation, and Public Opinion

Anecdotes about King George III's opinion of Claremont and the public reception of actors illustrate themes of reputation.

### The Psychology of Habit and Novelty

Notes on the psychology of gambling and the persistence of passion in achieving goals touch on habit and novelty.

## Character check-ins

### William Hazlitt

Authorial voice throughout the endnotes, providing commentary and personal anecdotes.

### Mr. Munden

Mentioned in an anecdote about visiting King George III at Windsor.

### Mr. Claremont

Mentioned alongside Munden in the Windsor anecdote.

### Master Betty

Recalled in a personal anecdote about an evening spent together discussing acting.

### Dr. Wolcot

Mentioned for discovering and critiquing the painter Opie.

### Benjamin Constant

Referenced in a note about Bonaparte and political maneuvering.

### Sir Joshua Reynolds

Quoted and discussed in notes on art and criticism.

### Mr. Mudford

Mentioned in a note about theatrical criticism and personal rivalry.

## Key lines

> their odour from the scent of rose leaves inserted between the pages, and their polish from the smoothness of the paper on which they are printed.

Their fragrance comes from rose leaves placed between the pages, and their shine from the smooth paper they are printed on.

_Describes the superficial qualities of certain writers._

> We sometimes see a whole playhouse in tears. But the audience at a theatre, though a public assembly, are not a public body.

We occasionally see an entire theater crying. However, the audience, while a public gathering, is not a unified public entity.

_Distinguishes between a collective audience and a corporate body._

> Where there is a will, there is a way. A real passion, an entire devotion to any object, always succeeds.

If there is determination, there is a path. True passion and complete dedication to a goal always lead to success.

_Emphasizes the power of will and passion in achieving objectives._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-ii-endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se/chapters