# XXX: Conclusion explained — The Grand Babylon Hotel

> Chapter companion for The Grand Babylon Hotel by Arnold Bennett.

## What happens

Theodore Racksole sells the Grand Babylon Hotel back to Félix Babylon at the same price he paid, concluding the chain of events that began with his ordering a steak and Bass. Racksole reveals to Prince Aribert the details of Jules's escape and death, and the fate of Miss Spencer and Rocco. After navigating legal troubles with the police, Racksole consents to Nella's marriage to Prince Aribert, who renounces his royal titles. Racksole settles a fortune on Nella, and the novel ends with Racksole and Babylon on the hotel terrace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wealth and Power

Racksole's immense fortune enables him to settle a ten-million-pound dowry, buy and sell a grand hotel, and navigate legal troubles with ease.

### Mystery and Intrigue

The chapter resolves the mysteries of Jules's escape and death, Miss Spencer's disappearance, and Rocco's fate.

### Father-Daughter Relationship

Racksole's consent to Nella's marriage and his generous settlement demonstrate his deep affection and protective nature toward her.

## Character check-ins

### Theodore Racksole

Sells the hotel back to Félix Babylon, recounts Jules's death to Prince Aribert, navigates police inquiries, and consents to Nella's marriage.

### Nella Racksole

Consents to marry Prince Aribert; receives a settlement of fifty million dollars from her father.

### Prince Aribert

Renounces his princely titles to marry Nella, reveals his private income and properties, and asks Racksole for Nella's hand.

### Jules

Escapes from his room but falls to his death from a rusted fire-escape ladder; his body is shown to Aribert.

### Félix Babylon

Repurchases the Grand Babylon Hotel from Racksole at the original price.

### Rocco

Later heard of in Buenos Aires, making a fortune as a chef; Racksole decides not to pursue legal action against him.

## Key lines

> I suppose, Racksole, you aren’t getting tired of the Grand Babylon? ... Because I am getting tired of doing without it.

Félix Babylon asks Racksole if he is weary of the hotel, admitting he misses it and wants to buy it back.

_This exchange leads to the sale of the hotel, bookending the story._

> I wish to tell you that it is my intention to renounce all my rights and titles as a Royal Prince of Posen, and to be known in future as Count Hartz.

Prince Aribert declares he will give up his royal titles to marry Nella as a commoner.

_Aribert's renunciation underscores the theme of love over aristocratic convention._

> I shall settle on her absolutely, with reversion to your children, if you have any, a lump sum of fifty million dollars, that is to say, ten million pounds, in sound, selected railway stock.

Racksole promises Nella a dowry of fifty million dollars in railway stocks.

_This demonstrates Racksole's immense wealth and his commitment to his daughter's future._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_grand_babylon_hotel_se/chapters/xxx-conclusion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_grand_babylon_hotel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_grand_babylon_hotel_se/chapters