# XVII: Witch-Doctor explained — The Dark Other

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dark_other_se/chapters/xvii-witch-doctor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dark_other_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dark_other_se/chapters