Zaroff murders Ramo and takes Polly hostage
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Polly remarks on Zaroff's seemingly unthreatening demeanor, but Ramo warns of the evil lurking within him. Zaroff, feigning repentance, asks Ramo to pray for his atonement, prompting Polly to suggest Ramo help the seemingly ill Zaroff.
Ramo, swayed by pity, helps Zaroff up, only to be strangled. Zaroff then grabs a sword, using it to fatally wound Ramo despite Polly's attempts to intervene.
After murdering Ramo, Zaroff seizes Polly and takes her into the tunnel, turning her into a hostage.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Shifts from compassionate optimism to horrified desperation as she witnesses Ramo’s murder and is overpowered by Zaroff. Her emotional state is one of shock, helplessness, and a growing sense of urgency to escape or alert the Doctor.
Polly, initially compassionate and believing Zaroff’s feigned remorse, lowers her guard as Ramo helps him stand. When Zaroff attacks Ramo, Polly screams and lunges to intervene, but Zaroff overpowers her. She is left horrified as Ramo is murdered, and Zaroff seizes her as a hostage, dragging her into the escape tunnel. Her protests—‘Don’t! Stop it!’—are futile, underscoring her desperation and the escalating danger she now faces.
- • Protect Ramo from Zaroff’s sudden violence, even at personal risk.
- • Escape Zaroff’s grasp and warn the Doctor of the escalating threat.
- • Zaroff’s remorse is genuine (initially), though this belief is shattered by his attack.
- • She and her companions must stop Zaroff at all costs, even if it means risking their lives.
Initially cautious and reluctant, shifting to defiant resistance as he realizes Zaroff’s true intentions. His final moments are marked by fatalistic acceptance, tempered by his unwavering faith in Amdo’s blessing.
Ramo, despite his initial caution and warnings about Zaroff’s lingering evil, is manipulated into helping the professor stand, believing his plea for atonement. When Zaroff attacks, Ramo fights back, grabbing a sword and jabbing at him, but Zaroff overpowers him. Ramo’s final words—‘It's more than you deserve, Zaroff. But for the blessing of Amdo I will grant you this last request’—reflect his defiance and faith, even in death. His murder is swift and brutal, leaving Polly horrified and Zaroff triumphant.
- • Grant Zaroff a final opportunity for atonement, despite his doubts, out of compassion and faith.
- • Defend himself and Polly from Zaroff’s sudden violence, even at the cost of his life.
- • Even the worst individuals deserve a chance for redemption, though Zaroff does not.
- • His faith in Amdo and the priesthood’s values must be upheld, even in the face of death.
Coldly triumphant, masking deep paranoia and a sense of invincibility. His surface calm belies a predatory glee in exerting control over his enemies.
Zaroff feigns weakness and remorse, luring Ramo into helping him stand before suddenly strangling him. He overpowers Polly as she intervenes, killing Ramo with cold precision and seizing her as a hostage. His actions are calculated, predatory, and devoid of mercy, demonstrating his ruthless pragmatism and willingness to eliminate obstacles. He drags Polly into the escape tunnel, declaring his dominance with the line ‘You will come with me.’
- • Eliminate Ramo to remove a moral and ideological obstacle to his plans.
- • Seize Polly as a hostage to leverage against the Doctor and force compliance with his nuclear reactor scheme.
- • Anyone who opposes him deserves death or subjugation.
- • His scientific vision justifies any moral compromise or act of violence.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The sword, initially resting in the Secret Chamber, becomes a desperate weapon as Ramo grabs it during Zaroff’s attack. Ramo jabs at Zaroff, but the professor overpowers him, wrenching the blade free and pressing it against Ramo’s throat before ultimately killing him. The sword symbolizes Ramo’s final, futile attempt at self-defense and Zaroff’s brutal dominance. Its use underscores the violence and stakes of the confrontation, as well as the power dynamics at play—Zaroff’s strength and ruthlessness versus Ramo’s faith and defiance.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Secret Chamber serves as the claustrophobic, tension-filled stage for Zaroff’s betrayal and Ramo’s murder. Its confined space amplifies the desperation and violence of the confrontation, with shadows pressing close as the action unfolds. The chamber’s damp air and whispered echoes of deception create an oppressive atmosphere, heightening the emotional weight of Ramo’s death and Polly’s capture. The location’s secrecy and isolation make it the perfect site for Zaroff’s ambush, reinforcing his predatory nature and the high stakes of the Doctor’s mission.
The Secret Escape Tunnel becomes the route for Zaroff’s escape and Polly’s abduction, its narrow confines forcing her to struggle against his grip as he drags her away. The tunnel’s precarious ledges and dim lighting create a sense of urgency and danger, reinforcing the high stakes of the moment. Its role as an escape route underscores Zaroff’s desperation to evade capture and his willingness to use Polly as leverage, while also symbolizing the broader threat he poses to Atlantis and the Doctor’s mission.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
The Priesthood of Amdo is invoked in Ramo’s final moments, as he grants Zaroff a last request ‘for the blessing of Amdo.’ This act underscores Ramo’s unwavering faith and the priesthood’s symbolic power, even in the face of Zaroff’s violence. While the priesthood itself is not physically present, its influence is felt through Ramo’s words and the moral contrast they create with Zaroff’s ruthlessness. The priesthood’s ideals—mercy, redemption, and divine justice—are directly challenged by Zaroff’s actions, highlighting the broader conflict between faith and science in Atlantis.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Polly volunteers to stay and watch Zaroff. Then, Ramo offers to stay with her, directly leading to Polly's remark on Zaroff's demeanor in the secret chamber."
Zaroff’s collapse and reactor threat"Polly volunteers to stay and watch Zaroff. Then, Ramo offers to stay with her, directly leading to Polly's remark on Zaroff's demeanor in the secret chamber."
Doctor splits team after Zaroff’s collapseKey Dialogue
"ZAROFF: "I know, I know. But before I die, priest, you must help me to pray to your god for atonement.""
"RAMO: "There is still evil in this man. It hangs over him like a shroud. You will pay dearly for your crimes, Zaroff.""
"ZAROFF: "And now, meddling priest, this is the end of you.""
"POLLY: "Don't! Stop it!""