# XXIII: Werewolf explained — The Dark Other

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

## What happens

Pat struggles with superstitious fears after recalling Magda's story of a werewolf, linking it to the 'Other' with its evil red eyes. She receives a poetic letter from Nick, and despite her faith in Dr. Horker's science, she is haunted by doubts about whether psychoanalysis can cure what might be a supernatural horror.

## Themes in this chapter

### Science vs. Superstition

Pat oscillates between trusting Dr. Horker's scientific psychoanalysis and being overwhelmed by the superstitious werewolf legend, questioning the power of medicine against ancient horrors.

### Psychological Trauma

Pat's fears and the memory of the 'Other's' red eyes, triggered by Magda's story, illustrate how past trauma resurfaces and disturbs her mental state.

## Character check-ins

### Patricia Lane

Pat is the focal character, wrestling with superstitious fears and her faith in science after hearing Magda's werewolf story and receiving a letter from Nick.

### Magda

Magda recounts the werewolf legend from her village, including the silver bullet and the man with evil red eyes, which deeply unsettles Pat.

### Nicholas Devine

Nick is mentioned as having an appointment with Dr. Horker, and Pat receives a letter from him containing a poem about love and grief.

### Dr. Carl Horker

Dr. Horker is referenced as Pat's source of security and the psychoanalyst who will treat Nick, though Pat's faith in his science wavers.

### The Other

The 'Other' is implicitly linked to the werewolf through its 'evil red eyes,' as Pat makes the connection to Magda's story.

## Key lines

> The grief that is too faint for tears, And scarcely breathes of pain, May linger on a hundred years Ere it creep forth again. But I, who love you now too well To suffer your disdain, Must try tonight that love to quell⁠— And try in vain!

Nick's poem expresses that a subtle, persistent grief can last for centuries, and despite his deep love for Pat, he must attempt to suppress it tonight—though he knows he will fail.

_This poem, sent in a letter to Pat, reveals Nick's emotional turmoil and foreshadows his struggle with his dual nature._

> I’m just a superstitious little idiot! I laugh at Mother because she always likes to play North and South, and here I’m letting myself worry over superstitions that were discarded before there was any such thing as a game called contract bridge.

Pat chides herself for being superstitious, noting that she mocks her mother for old-fashioned games yet is now troubled by beliefs that predate modern card games.

_This highlights Pat's internal conflict between rational skepticism and irrational fear._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dark_other_se/chapters/xxiii-werewolf
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dark_other_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dark_other_se/chapters