Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler · Chapter
XXI explained
Wenk, trapped in a car by Mabuse's hypnotic trap, falls into a state of despair and reflection.
What happens
Wenk, trapped in a car by Mabuse's hypnotic trap, falls into a state of despair and reflection. He is then taken to an aeroplane where Mabuse attempts to kill him. In a climactic struggle, the Countess Told, freed from Mabuse's hypnotic control by Wenk's shouted accusation, strikes Mabuse with a wrench, causing him to fall to his death. Wenk and the Countess land safely on the East Frisian coast, where they acknowledge their mutual salvation and shared love.
Themes in this chapter
Hypnotism and Psychological Manipulation
Mabuse's hypnotic control over the Countess is broken by Wenk's words, highlighting the power of psychological manipulation and liberation.
Obsession and Destruction
Mabuse's obsessive pursuit of power leads to his own destruction, while Wenk's obsession with justice nearly costs him his life.
The Dual Nature of Justice
The Countess's act of killing Mabuse is portrayed as both a crime and a justifiable act of salvation, reflecting the dual nature of justice.
Characters to notice
- Herr von Wenk
Trapped in a car and later in an aeroplane, Wenk struggles against Mabuse's deadly trap, ultimately saved by the Countess's intervention.
- Dr. Mabuse
Mabuse orchestrates Wenk's capture and attempts to kill him, but is struck by the Countess and falls to his death.
- Countess Told
Under Mabuse's hypnotic control, she is awakened by Wenk's words and strikes Mabuse with a wrench, saving Wenk and herself.
- Count Told
Referenced by Wenk as the victim of Mabuse's manipulation, leading to the Countess's awakening.
Key passages
“He is the murderer of Count Told. He made him cheat at cards! He put the razor into his hands that he might cut his throat!”
Wenk accuses Mabuse of causing Count Told's death by forcing him to cheat and then giving him the razor to kill himself.
This accusation breaks the Countess's hypnotic trance.
“She fell into a God-given fury, and her muscles were endowed with unconquerable strength and vigour. Her hands and her heart were like iron, and she seized the first weapon to hand, the heavy screw-wrench, striking the murderer from behind, and dealing a terrific blow upon his skull.”
The Countess, in a sudden rage, finds superhuman strength and kills Mabuse with a wrench.
The Countess's transformation from passive victim to active avenger.
“We have saved each other’s lives. Let us keep silent, and strive to forget. We part here!”
Wenk suggests they separate and forget the traumatic events, acknowledging their mutual rescue.
Wenk's initial attempt to distance himself from the Countess.
“No. I have nothing to conceal and nothing to forget. The blood that I have shed was entirely evil. I have saved him from himself and mankind from him. Who can bear witness against me?”
The Countess refuses to forget, asserting that her killing of Mabuse was a righteous act that saved humanity.
The Countess's defiant acceptance of her actions.