# XX explained — Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler

> Chapter companion for Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler by Norbert Jacques.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dr_mabuse_the_gambler_se/chapters/xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dr_mabuse_the_gambler_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dr_mabuse_the_gambler_se/chapters