The Dark Other · Chapter
XVII: Witch-Doctor explained
Pat, feeling miserable and lonely after Nick's departure, is visited by Dr.
What happens
Pat, feeling miserable and lonely after Nick's departure, is visited by Dr. Horker. They discuss Nick's dual nature and the possibility that it might be a psychological fixation rather than a demonic possession. Horker offers to help, and Pat apologizes for her earlier behavior.
Themes in this chapter
Duality of Self
Pat and Horker discuss Nick's dual nature, with the 'other' being a separate, malevolent personality that Nick cannot control.
Science vs. Superstition
Horker offers a scientific explanation (fixed idea) for Nick's condition, while Pat equates it with Magda's concept of demonic possession.
Love and Sacrifice
Pat's love for Nick leads her to consider accepting his dangerous dual nature, and Horker commits to helping her despite the risks.
Characters to notice
- Patricia Lane
Pat is deeply distressed over Nick's absence and her love for him, torn between accepting his dual nature and fearing the 'other'.
- Dr. Carl Horker
Horker comforts Pat and offers to investigate Nick's condition, suggesting it may be a psychological fixation rather than a supernatural entity.
- Nicholas Devine
Nick is discussed at length; his dual nature and the increasing strength of the 'other' are central to the conversation.
- The Other
The 'other' is described as cruel, harsh, and crafty, contrasting sharply with Nick's gentle nature.
- Magda
Magda is referenced as believing in demonic possession, which Pat equates with Horker's scientific explanation.
- Mueller
Mueller is mentioned as Horker's informant who would alert him if Nick attempted to leave.
Key passages
“In love with a madman! Or worse—in love with a demon! With a being half of whose nature worshiped her while the other half was bent on her destruction!”
Pat feels trapped in love with someone who is both a madman and a demon, with one side adoring her and the other seeking to destroy her.
Pat's internal conflict about Nick's dual nature.
“I think it's a fixation of an idea gained in childhood, Honey. I had a patient once—who had a fixed delusion of that sort. He was perfectly rational on every point save one—he believed that a pig with a pink ribbon was following him everywhere!”
Horker suggests Nick's condition might be a childhood fixation, similar to a patient who believed a pig with a pink ribbon was always following him.
Horker's scientific explanation for Nick's dual personality.
“Then they're devils! They're just your scientific jargon for exactly what Magda means when she says a person's possessed by a devil. So I'm right anyway!”
Pat insists that Horker's scientific terms are just another way of describing what Magda calls demonic possession.
Pat equates psychological fixation with demonic possession.