# XV: “And That Is the End.” explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Manly Wade Wellman.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/xv-and-that-is-the-end
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters