Abstract

The paper constitutes an attempt to characterize functions, which postscript can fulfil in the letter. Theoretical arrangements concerning changing over the years rules of letters writing referring them to mentioned in the title source material – collection of letters written by Magdalena Radziwiłłowa in the 1st half of the 18th century are discussed in the paper. The aim of the paper was to verify the thesis whether presence of postscript in the letter was result of ineptness, or unfamiliarity with writing skills of the correspondent, or easiness of being influenced by emotions. The last cause used to be ascribed to women. The investigated source material proves that postscripts in the letters does not have to be disadvantage of the composition, but can constitute signs of planned action that helps to diversify content and exert a define influence on the addressee. Personality, intellect and linguistic competences of the letter’s sender condition the way of use of the postscript.