# Wolfbane explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Frederik Pohl.

## What happens

The chapter introduces a dystopian world where the Pyramids, alien structures, have taken over Earth, and the remaining humans are struggling to survive. The narrative follows Glenn Tropile, a man who has been 'processed' by the Pyramids and now lives in a controlled society. He encounters various characters, including Howard Mooney and Peter Duane, as they navigate the oppressive regime. The story explores themes of survival, adaptation, and the loss of identity under alien domination.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Adaptation

The characters must adapt to life under the Pyramids, finding ways to survive both physically and psychologically.

### Alienation and Identity

Tropile and others grapple with their altered identities after being processed, feeling disconnected from their former selves.

## Character check-ins

### Glenn Tropile

The protagonist, a processed human living under the Pyramids' rule, struggling with his identity and purpose.

### Howard Mooney

A fellow processed human who interacts with Tropile, representing the cynical and survivalist mindset.

### Peter Duane

Another processed human, involved in discussions about rebellion and the nature of their existence.

## Key lines

> Wolfbane By Frederik Pohl and C. M. Kornbluth

The chapter is from the novel 'Wolfbane' by Frederik Pohl and C. M. Kornbluth.

_Opening attribution of the excerpt._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_18_se/chapters/wolfbane
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_18_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_18_se/chapters