# Science vs. Superstition in Short Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Fiction by Manly Wade Wellman.

The narrative contrasts rational investigation (psychical research, forensic analysis) with belief in ancient magic and folklore, often showing that science is inadequate to explain or combat supernatural phenomena.

## Where it surfaces

- [Back to the Beast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/back-to-the-beast): Lawlor's rational scientific approach to evolution is undermined by his inability to control the experiment, leading to a monstrous outcome that defies his expectations.
- [The Invading Asteroid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/the-invading-asteroid): The chapter contrasts rational astronomical analysis with superstitious panic as the asteroid approaches.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/i): The chapter contrasts ancient fears of Martian conquest with modern scientific knowledge of asteroids and space travel.
- [II: An Incredible Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/ii-an-incredible-story): The Martian's incredible story is verified through truth-rays and scientific calculations, contrasting with the initial disbelief of the Terrestrials.
- [IV: The Great Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/iv-the-great-battle): The use of advanced technology (disintegrators, gravity cables, television screens) contrasts with the Martians' theatrical and ritualistic culture.
- [I: “Why Must the Burden of Proof Rest with the Spirits?”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/i-why-must-the-burden-of-proof-rest-with-the-spirits): The central debate between Wills's demand for empirical, controlled proof and Zoberg's faith in unseen spiritual forces.
- [II: “You Can Almost Hear the Ghosts.”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/ii-you-can-almost-hear-the-ghosts): Zoberg defends telepathy and psychic research against Wills' skepticism, framing the séance as a scientific test.
- [III: "That Thing Isn't My Daughter—"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/iii-that-thing-isn-t-my-daughter): Wills applies rigorous scientific methods (sealing, handcuffs, search) to debunk supernatural claims, yet the séance produces an inexplicable entity.
- [A Trick That Almost Killed You](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/viii-a-trick-that-almost-killed-you): Wills initially dismisses the supernatural as trickery, while Pursuivant argues for the existence of werewolves, highlighting the tension between skepticism and belief.
- [IX: “To a Terrified Victim He Is Doom Itself.”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/ix-to-a-terrified-victim-he-is-doom-itself): The chapter contrasts scientific investigation of ectoplasm with superstitious beliefs about werewolves, as Pursuivant attempts to reconcile both through materialization theory.
- [X: Bloodlust and Compassion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/x-bloodlust-and-compassion): Pursuivant's marginal notes suggest a scientific explanation for werewolf transformations (ointment and girdle), contrasting with the town's superstitious lynch-mob mentality.
- [XIII: “Light’s Our Best Weapon.”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/xiii-light-s-our-best-weapon): Zoberg and Pursuivant debate ectoplasmic theory and lycanthropy, blending scientific inquiry with supernatural phenomena.
- [XV: “And That Is the End.”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/xv-and-that-is-the-end): Zoberg frames lycanthropy and witch ointments as scientific phenomena, blending occultism with rational explanation.
- [XI: Battle and Retreat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/xi-battle-and-retreat): Pursuivant discusses poltergeist phenomena as studied by modern psychical researchers, contrasting scientific inquiry with occult explanations.
- [III: The Image in the Cellar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/iii-the-image-in-the-cellar): Lanark dismisses Enid's story as 'mountain-folk ignorance' and calls Jager's book 'superstition,' yet he is unsettled by the events, highlighting the tension between rational skepticism and folk belief.
- [IX: Debate and Decision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/ix-debate-and-decision): Lanark, a man of reason, is forced to consider supernatural explanations and the use of occult charms.
- [Bratton's Idea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/bratton-s-idea): Old Bratton's attempt to create life with electricity contrasts with the superstitious fear of his 'mad scientist' persona.
- [All Were Monsters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/all-were-monsters): Provvorr uses advanced technology (telepathy, gold-making, resurrection) but is terrified by natural creatures, blurring the line between scientific rationality and irrational fear.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/themes/science_vs_superstition
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_37_se/themes