The Wolf-Leader · Chapter
I: The Grand Master of His Highness' Wolf Hounds explained
The chapter introduces the Seigneur Jean, Baron of Vez, a passionate hunter and chief wolf-hunter to Louis Philippe of Orleans.
What happens
The chapter introduces the Seigneur Jean, Baron of Vez, a passionate hunter and chief wolf-hunter to Louis Philippe of Orleans. It describes his formidable castle and his daily hunting routine with his twelve horses and forty dogs. The Baron's obsession with the chase is highlighted, especially his frustration with an elusive black wolf. One day, the chief pricker Marcotte reports the black wolf is about but impossible to track. The Baron, feeling unwell, decides to hunt a buck instead, which Engoulevent, a whipper-in, claims to have found. The hunt begins, and the buck leads the pack towards the low grounds of Bourg-fontaine. The narrative then shifts to introduce Thibault, a sabot-maker who lives in the forest. It details his past ambitions to join the army or navy, his failed dreams of becoming a notary, and his three-year journey across France. After his travels, Thibault returns to his trade and obtains permission to build a hut in the forest, choosing a spot near the osier-beds.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Power
The chapter contrasts the absolute power of the Baron, who hunts for sport, with the life of Thibault, a peasant who must seek permission to build a hut in the forest.
Nature and the Hunt
The chapter vividly depicts the daily hunting rituals of the Baron, his pack of hounds, and the pursuit of game, establishing the hunt as a central activity and passion.
Characters to notice
- Baron de Vauparfond
The Seigneur Jean, Baron of Vez, is introduced as a hardy sportsman and chief wolf-hunter, obsessed with the chase and frustrated by the elusive black wolf.
- Mocquet
Marcotte, the chief pricker, reports to the Baron that the black wolf is about but has covered its tracks, leading to the decision to hunt a buck instead.
- Thibault
Thibault is introduced as a sabot-maker living in the forest. His past ambitions and travels are detailed, and he is shown returning to his trade and building a hut.
- Agnelette
Engoulevent, a whipper-in, informs the Baron of a splendid buck in the neighborhood, leading to the day's hunt.
Key passages
“The lord of this old fortress, however, was by no means so much to be dreaded; those who were more intimately acquainted with him than were the peasants, and could do him more justice, asserted that his bark was worse than his bite, and that he caused more fear than harm—that is, among his fellow Christians.”
Although the Baron's castle was intimidating, those who knew him personally said he was more frightening than harmful to people, reserving his true enmity for animals.
This introduces the Baron's character as a hunter, suggesting his aggression is directed at animals rather than humans.
“But as Providence took care not to make any answer to these apostrophés , and as Thibault found that dancing, playing at quarterstaff, and throwing the boar-spear only fatigued the body, without procuring him any material advantage, he began to turn his thoughts towards his ancient trade, humble though it was, saying to himself, if it enabled the father to live, it would also enable the son.”
Since his prayers for a noble birth went unanswered and his skills brought no material gain, Thibault decided to return to his father's humble trade of sabot-making to make a living.
This highlights Thibault's resignation to his social class and his pragmatic decision to accept his lot in life.