# XVI: Possessed explained — The Dark Other

> Chapter companion for The Dark Other by Stanley G. Weinbaum.

## What happens

Patricia Lane, after a two-hour meeting with Nicholas Devine, is confronted by Mueller, who is working for Dr. Horker. Pat defends Nick and learns that Mueller was ordered to watch Nick but intervened only when Nick embraced her. Pat leaves with Mueller, but instead of going home, she visits Dr. Horker to confront him about spying. During their conversation, Pat admits she broke her promise to stay away from Nick and reveals that Nick explained his dual nature to her. She declares her belief that Nick is possessed by a devil and, despite everything, confesses she loves him. The chapter ends with Pat storming out after Dr. Horker dismisses her idea.

## Themes in this chapter

### Duality of Self

Nick explains his two personalities to Pat, one dominant and the other growing stronger, directly embodying the theme of duality.

### Love and Sacrifice

Pat confesses her love for Nick despite believing he is possessed, and Nick prepares to leave to protect her, highlighting sacrifice.

### Science vs. Superstition

Dr. Horker's scientific skepticism clashes with Pat's belief in demonic possession, illustrating the conflict between rationalism and superstition.

## Character check-ins

### Patricia Lane

Pat confronts Mueller and Dr. Horker, defends Nick, and confesses her love for him despite believing he is possessed.

### Nicholas Devine

Nick meets with Pat, explains his dual nature, and prepares to leave; he is watched by Mueller.

### Mueller

Mueller follows Pat and Nick on Dr. Horker's orders, intervenes when Nick embraces Pat, and later escorts her home.

### Dr. Carl Horker

Dr. Horker discusses Pat's meeting with Nick, defends his use of Mueller, and listens to Pat's belief that Nick is possessed.

## Key lines

> I think he's possessed by a devil!

Pat declares her belief that Nick is controlled by a demon.

_Pat states her supernatural explanation for Nick's behavior, contrasting with Dr. Horker's medical perspective._

> Devil and all, I love him!

Despite believing Nick is possessed, Pat affirms her love for him.

_Pat's emotional confession underscores the theme of love and sacrifice._

> He said he was two personalities—one the character I knew, and one the character that we saw Saturday night.

Nick explains to Pat that he has two distinct personalities, one of which is the violent entity from Saturday night.

_This directly relates to the duality of self theme and the timeline event where Nick explains his dual nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dark_other_se/chapters/xvi-possessed
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dark_other_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dark_other_se/chapters