# Possession and Identity in Brood of the Witch-Queen

> Theme guide for Brood of the Witch-Queen by Sax Rohmer.

The theme of spirit possession is central, as characters like Lady Lashmore are controlled by the vampire spirit Mirza, blurring the lines between self and other, and questioning the stability of personal identity.

## Where it surfaces

- [II: The Phantom Hands](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/ii-the-phantom-hands): Sir Michael's altered behavior and the strange influence over him suggest a loss of self or external control.
- [The Rustling Shadows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/v-the-rustling-shadows): The shadowy things and the sense of being followed suggest an assault on Robert's mind and identity.
- [IX: The Polish Jewess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/ix-the-polish-jewess): Dr. Cairn explains how Mirza's spirit seeks incarnation in a human body, posing a danger of possession.
- [X: The Laughter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/x-the-laughter): Lady Lashmore is possessed by the spirit of the vampire Mirza, losing control of her own identity and actions.
- [XV: The Witch-Queen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/xv-the-witch-queen): Dr. Cairn is nearly possessed by a murderous impulse, losing his own identity under Ferrara's influence, and the dream blurs the line between self and other.
- [The Face in the Orchid-House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/xxiii-the-face-in-the-orchid-house): The face in the orchid-house is described as both Ferrara and a woman, suggesting a supernatural transformation or possession.
- [The Ivory Hand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/xxvi-the-ivory-hand): Robert experiences unconscious writing and a trance vision, suggesting his mind is being controlled or influenced by Ferrara's sorcery.
- [XXVII: The Thug’s Cord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/xxvii-the-thug-s-cord): Robert fears loss of self-control under Ferrara's hypnotic influence; the attack blurs the line between his own actions and external force.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/themes/possession_and_identity
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/themes