Shepherds of the Wild · Chapter
XXVIII explained
Alice awakens to find herself tied up and at the mercy of José Mertos as a forest fire rages around them.
What happens
Alice awakens to find herself tied up and at the mercy of José Mertos as a forest fire rages around them. José taunts her and threatens her, but Alice refuses to show fear or plead. Just as José moves to kiss her, Shep the dog leaps from the thicket and attacks him, killing him instantly. Alice remains bound and helpless as the fire approaches.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and the Cycle of Life and Death
The advancing forest fire and the sudden violent death of José Mertos illustrate the raw, indifferent power of nature and the cycle of life and death in the wilderness.
Duty and Sacrifice
Alice believes Hugh will remain at his post watching the sheep even as the fire threatens, and Shep acts out of duty to protect the flock and its keeper.
The Primitive and Atavistic
José's face is described as inhuman, like an inmate of an Inferno, and Shep's attack is portrayed as a primal, instinctive act of vengeance from the wilderness.
Characters to notice
- Alice Crowson
Alice awakens tied up in the path of a forest fire, confronts José Mertos with defiance, and is rescued by Shep's attack.
- José Mertos
José holds Alice captive, taunts her, and is killed by Shep's attack before he can kiss her.
- Shep
Shep leaps from the thicket and kills José Mertos, avenging the insult to Alice.
- Hugh Gaylord
Alice reflects that Hugh will stay at his post watching the sheep rather than come to her aid.
- Landy Fargo
Fargo is mentioned as having given orders to José, but his spirit is said to be far distant.
Key passages
“The only reality in her life, now that her dreams were done, was the intent face of her captor. The red radiance was upon it, and all semblance of humanity seemed gone.”
Alice's sole focus is on José's face, which appears inhuman in the firelight.
Highlights the dehumanizing effect of the wilderness and danger.
“She knew that stern, unbending man who watched the sheep. All her tears, all her prayers could never move him: he would linger, still at his post, till the insatiable tongues of fire licked at his breast. She was only the woman, but Hugh watched the sheep!”
Alice knows Hugh will stay with the sheep even if it means his death, prioritizing duty over her safety.
Emphasizes Hugh's unwavering sense of duty.
“One of the guardians of the flock had swept to her aid. Because he was in defense of his own, obeying the laws of his inmost being, his blow had the might not only of the wilderness but of that high power that has waged war with the wilderness, tamed its passions, subjugated its peoples.”
Shep attacks José as a guardian of the flock, acting on instinct and a higher moral law.
Portrays Shep's attack as both natural and divinely sanctioned.