Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler · Chapter
XX explained
Wenk attends a hypnotist performance by Weltmann, whom he recognizes as Dr.
What happens
Wenk attends a hypnotist performance by Weltmann, whom he recognizes as Dr. Mabuse. He struggles with the decision to escape or confront Mabuse, ultimately fleeing the stage under hypnotic influence. Wenk later reads Mabuse's notes and realizes Mabuse forced Count Told to cheat at cards, leading to his ruin and death.
Themes in this chapter
Hypnotism and Psychological Manipulation
Weltmann (Mabuse) uses hypnotism to control the audience and force Wenk to flee, demonstrating psychological manipulation.
Deception and Disguise
Mabuse disguises himself as Weltmann, and Wenk recognizes him beneath the false moustache, eyebrows, and wig.
Obsession and Destruction
Mabuse's obsession with Countess Told leads him to destroy Count Told by forcing him to cheat at cards, resulting in his death.
Characters to notice
- Herr von Wenk
Attends Weltmann's performance, recognizes him as Mabuse, and struggles with the decision to escape or confront him.
- Dr. Mabuse
Disguised as Weltmann, the hypnotist; controls the performance and forces Wenk to flee.
- Count Told
Wenk deduces that Mabuse hypnotized him into cheating at cards, leading to his ruin and death.
- Countess Told
Mentioned as the wife of Count Told, whom Mabuse desired; she is seen leaving Mabuse's house.
- Baron Prewitz
Follows Wenk onto the stage, holding a revolver, and is ordered by Weltmann to shoot Wenk if he tries to escape.
- Vörös
Speaks to Wenk during the performance, asking if he has seen anything like it before.
Key passages
“Wenk would have recognized him now beneath all his disguises. He gazed at him calmly, and the other’s glance flickered.”
Wenk sees through Mabuse's disguise and stares at him, causing Mabuse's gaze to waver.
Wenk identifies Mabuse despite his disguise.
“That was the secret of Count Told’s fall! Mabuse had subconsciously forced him to cheat, to ruin him in the eyes of the wife whom Mabuse desired to possess!”
Wenk realizes Mabuse hypnotized Count Told into cheating to destroy him and win his wife.
Wenk deduces Mabuse's motive for ruining Count Told.
“The first step that he takes, without my orders, you will shoot, said Weltmann with an ambiguous smile.”
Weltmann orders Baron Prewitz to shoot Wenk if he moves without permission.
Mabuse threatens Wenk with death if he tries to escape.