Yama · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This section contains the translator's endnotes for the book, providing explanations, cultural references, and commentary on various terms, allusions, and translation choices made throughout the text.
What happens
This section contains the translator's endnotes for the book, providing explanations, cultural references, and commentary on various terms, allusions, and translation choices made throughout the text.
Key passages
“Houses of Suffrance — i.e., Houses of the Necessary Evil.”
The term 'Houses of Suffrance' is explained as a euphemism for brothels, meaning 'Houses of the Necessary Evil.'
Translator's clarification of a euphemism.
“The Russian term is 'pharaoh.'”
The original Russian word used is 'pharaoh.'
Translator's note on a specific Russian term.
“A German exclamation of disgust or contempt, corresponding to the English fie.”
A German expression of disgust is equivalent to the English 'fie.'
Translator's explanation of a foreign exclamation.
“Probably a sly dig at Gautier's Captain Fracasse.”
This may be a subtle reference to Gautier's work 'Captain Fracasse.'
Translator's speculation on a literary allusion.
“A small, secret opening, unnoticeable from the outside.”
A hidden opening that is not visible externally.
Definition of a term used in the text.
“The Russian equivalent of 'pox,' 'syph.'”
The Russian word is the equivalent of 'pox' or 'syph.'
Translator's note on a colloquial term for syphilis.