Svengali

Overview

In the novel, Svengali transforms Trilby into a great singer by using his extraordinary power of hypnosis, and this at a time when hypnosis had a mystical and dark reputation as an occult practice. Today we think of it as a benign clinical tool, used by medical professionals. In 1930’s movies, and probably in earlier novels and stage plays, hypnosis (and the proverbial music of an accompanying Theremin) could frighten audiences and was more akin to Voodoo. In any case, Svengali’s name has become synonymous with malicious manipulation and the absolute mind-control of a victim.