# The Call of Siva explained — The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu

> Chapter companion for The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu by Sax Rohmer.

## What happens

Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie rush to protect Graham Guthrie, a British resident of North Bhutan, from an assassination attempt by Dr. Fu-Manchu. Despite being in a high hotel room, a Thug strangler nearly kills Smith, who is saved by Petrie and Guthrie. Smith explains the Thug's method and the 'Call of Siva' signal, revealing Fu-Manchu's use of religious stranglers from Burma.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fear and Paranoia

The sense of impending danger and isolation in the hotel room, heightened by the supernatural-like attack.

### Death and Mystery

The Thug's method of strangulation and the uncanny 'Call of Siva' create an atmosphere of mysterious death.

### East vs. West

Fu-Manchu's use of ancient Eastern cults (Thuggee) against Western targets like Guthrie and Smith.

## Character check-ins

### Nayland Smith

Leads the defense against the Thug attack; nearly strangled but saved by Petrie and Guthrie.

### Dr. Petrie

Assists Smith in protecting Guthrie; cuts the strangling cord from Smith's neck.

### Graham Guthrie

The intended victim; a British resident of North Bhutan, grateful for Smith's intervention.

### Dr. Fu-Manchu

Masterminds the assassination attempt using a Thug strangler; referenced as having secret knowledge and power over the stranglers.

## Key lines

> far from aid as in the heart of a desert. I was glad that I was not alone in that room—marked with the death-mark of Fu-Manchu; and I am certain that Graham Guthrie welcomed his unexpected company.

Petrie feels isolated and vulnerable, but is relieved to have company in the room that Fu-Manchu has marked for death.

_Highlights the theme of isolation and fear._

> Some invisible herald went ahead of the dreadful Chinaman, proclaiming his coming to every nerve in one’s body. It was like a breath of astral incense, announcing the presence of the priests of death.

An uncanny sensation precedes Fu-Manchu's arrival, as if a supernatural messenger signals his approach.

_Emphasizes the supernatural and ominous nature of Fu-Manchu._

> It was a Thug ! screamed Guthrie. Get the rope off! He's choking!

Guthrie identifies the attacker as a Thug and urgently calls for the strangling cord to be removed from Smith's neck.

_Key moment revealing the Thug's identity and the immediate danger._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_insidious_dr_fu_manchu_se/chapters