Short Fiction · Chapter
XV: “And That Is the End.” explained
Doctor Zoberg confesses to his crimes, revealing his lifelong embrace of evil, his ability to control his lycanthropic transformations, and his plan to use a supernatural 'ectoplasm' to transform Susan Gird into a beast companion.
What happens
Doctor Zoberg confesses to his crimes, revealing his lifelong embrace of evil, his ability to control his lycanthropic transformations, and his plan to use a supernatural 'ectoplasm' to transform Susan Gird into a beast companion. He escapes his manacles using the same substance but is shot and killed by Constable O'Bryant. Judge Pursuivant admits he suspected Zoberg all along.
Themes in this chapter
Evil and Moral Corruption
Zoberg's confession reveals his innate lust for evil, his joy in killing, and his manipulative plans to corrupt Susan.
Science vs. Superstition
Zoberg frames lycanthropy and witch ointments as scientific phenomena, blending occultism with rational explanation.
Transformation and Duality
Zoberg describes his ability to control his beast-form and uses 'ectoplasm' to change shape and escape manacles.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Otto Zoberg
Confesses his evil nature, lycanthropic control, and plan to transform Susan. Escapes manacles but is shot dead by O'Bryant.
- Keith Pursuivant
Listens intently to Zoberg's confession, questions him, and later admits he suspected Zoberg from the first.
- Talbot Wills
Takes notes during Zoberg's confession, protects Susan, and expresses outrage at Zoberg's plans.
- Susan Gird
Present during Zoberg's confession, clutches Wills's arm; Zoberg reveals his plan to transform her into a beast.
- Constable O'Bryant
Shoots and kills Zoberg after his escape attempt, avenging his brother.
Key passages
“Perhaps I was born what I am... Night called to me, where it frightens most children.”
Zoberg claims he was inherently evil from childhood, drawn to the night.
Zoberg's self-justification of his evil nature.
“I had found it easy and inspiring to kill persons, with a sense of added strength following.”
Zoberg admits to killing people for pleasure and feeling empowered.
Confession of murderous tendencies.
“At will my arms and legs assume thickness, and hold the rings of the confining irons wide. Then, when I wish, they grow slender again, and—”
Zoberg explains he can alter his limb thickness to slip out of handcuffs.
Demonstration of his shape-shifting ability.