cahn | 18th-Century Characters, Including Frederick the Great, Discussion Post 33

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cahn

And, I mean, it doesn't have to be just 18th century characters, either!

(also, waiting for Yuletide!)

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From:

felis

a canonical nickname FW uses towards him - "Hulla"

I hadn't heard that one before. Was that some strange form of Wilhelm or did it come from something else?

speculates Fritz might have wanted to prevent FW in a sentimental deathbed mode changing his last will at the last second and leaving Wilhelmine more stuff

Huh. That never ever occurred to me as a reason. Did FW even write an itemized will like Fritz did later, rewarding people who'd always shown him friendship? If so, do we have a copy somewhere? Because my impression was that he only wrote a more general one, and of course the political testament version.

But be that as it may, I really can't see Fritz begrudging Wilhelmine getting some more money or the like, on the contrary.

The reason he himself gives is of course that it would be detrimental for her health because the situation is so bad, which mostly means what it always did - FW is unpredictable and temperamental and the atmosphere at court is horrible, so he himself is always happy when he can be away for a couple of days as well. And I mean, he's not wrong that Wilhelmine had a horrible time with long-term consequences for her health the last time she was in Berlin. But I also think that he didn't want to deal with her possible grief and by extension his own mixed feelings over what was happening. I also think that maybe he wanted to be in control of the moment as much as possible. (AW got a detailed "what to do if Dad dies while I'm not there" letter.)

Eversmann: This is Doris Ritter, your highness, your brother's mistress. Getting whipped as a whore for her part in your brother's escape attempt. The King wants you to know this is exactly what he's going to do to Fräulein von Sonsfeld next if you don't agree to marrying whom he wants you to marry. Enjoy the rest of your breakfast.

You know, fictional or not, this is something I could see FW doing. Reminds me of SD's "I think you only told me that you want Fritz dead to see what I will say/do" letter.

From:

mildred_of_midgard

But I also think that he didn't want to deal with her possible grief and by extension his own mixed feelings over what was happening.

Yeah, makes sense. <3

I also think that maybe he wanted to be in control of the moment as much as possible.

Now this would be 100% in character!

Reminds me of SD's "I think you only told me that you want Fritz dead to see what I will say/do" letter.

Wait, remind me?

From:

felis

Second quote here: „You can be assured that I will not say anything and will not tell him that you wrote to me; if he knew that you hate him and wish him death, he would be in despair and it would kill him. He is already too ill. God take the thoughts you have against him, and you govern your heart. I believe you wrote to me against him out of malice, to see what I will answer you."