The Mystery of Charles Foster Kane’s Last Word in Citizen Kane

Ever wondered how exactly Charles Foster Kane said his last word, “Rosebud,” at the end of Citizen Kane? Hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, Citizen Kane has fascinated viewers and critics alike with its intricate narrative and the enigmatic final scene. How did anyone know what the character said before his death?

Background and Initial Plot Holes

The film initially presents the notion that Kane dies alone, but a nurse is present in the room. This nurse overhears Kane's last word, “Rosebud,” which becomes a significant clue for the reporters investigating Kane's life. The reporters use this final utterance to uncover the meaning and significance behind the word. This device serves to highlight themes of memory loss and the search for meaning in Kane’s life, ultimately reflecting on the complexity of his character and the nature of his legacy.

Assumptions and Alternatives

Many viewers have pondered this plot hole and proposed various explanations. The most common assumption is that Kane wasn’t alone, and that a nurse or someone was present in the room when he died. Another theory suggests that someone like the butler, who heard the phrase earlier when Kane was upset after his second wife left him, relayed it later. In the movie, we see Kane muttering the word while his physical condition is deteriorating, indicating it might have been a repeated phrase as his body shuts down.

Critical Perspectives

The concept of someone having to witness these events for the plot to make sense brings us to the idea of the fourth wall in cinema. The audience is literally brought into the scene, a metafictional aspect often seen in films. Roger Ebert, in his commentary, points out this continuity/logic error and suggests that we have to "go with" this assumption. He also notes that it's not necessary to dwell on the exact path the story of Kane’s last word took to reach the reporters.

Exploring the Possibilities

One popular theory is that the butler was hiding just out of the camera shot or behind a curtain. This allows for a seamless continuity in the narrative. Alternatively, it's possible that a nurse who was present in the room at the time overheard the word, or someone else reported it to the butler. While the exact details might be lost to time, the essence of the story is what matters.

Conclusion

Whether it's the nurse, the butler, or someone else, the key is that the word “Rosebud” becomes a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding Kane's life and legacy. As viewers, we must accept these assumptions or fill in the gaps with our imagination to fully appreciate the complexity and depth of Citizen Kane. It is a testament to the film's enduring mystery and the art of storytelling.

Keywords: Citizen Kane, Charles Foster Kane, Last Word Rosebud