# X: Enid Mandifer Again explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Manly Wade Wellman.

## What happens

Lanark and Jager visit Enid Mandifer to investigate her stepfather's occult activities. Enid recalls his teachings about fear ruling over love and 'Those Below,' and reveals a mysterious box that can only be opened in a specific place under a full moon. She also shows them a reversed message from her stepfather, which Lanark interprets as a challenge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fear and Control

Enid's stepfather taught that 'fear is stronger than love' and that 'Those Below rule by fear,' emphasizing fear as a tool of control.

### Evil and Moral Corruption

The stepfather's doctrine is described as 'a devil's doctrine' and 'blasphemy,' linking his teachings to moral corruption.

### The Power of Belief and Ritual

The box's opening conditions (place of the Nameless One, midnight, full moon) highlight the importance of ritual and belief in occult practices.

## Character check-ins

### Kane Lanark

Visits Enid Mandifer with Jager, interprets the reversed writing, and sees the message as a challenge.

### Sergeant Jager

Accompanies Lanark, questions Enid, and shows her the Long Lost Friend book to test her reaction.

### Enid Mandifer

Recalls her stepfather's teachings about fear and 'Those Below,' describes the mysterious box, and shows a reversed message from her stepfather.

## Key lines

> Fear is stronger than love; where love can but plead, fear can command.

Fear is more powerful than love because love can only ask, but fear can force obedience.

_Enid recalls her stepfather's teaching, which Jager calls a devil's doctrine._

> The rewards of Good are unproven; but the revenges of Evil are great, and manifest on all sides. Fear will always vanquish love.

Good's rewards are uncertain, but Evil's punishments are obvious and everywhere; fear will always defeat love.

_From the reversed message Enid shows Lanark and Jager._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/x-enid-mandifer-again
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters