The Wolf-Leader · Chapter
IV explained
Mocquet reports to the General that he is being 'nightmared' by Mother Durand, an old witch from Haramont, and accuses her of witchcraft and revenge.
What happens
Mocquet reports to the General that he is being 'nightmared' by Mother Durand, an old witch from Haramont, and accuses her of witchcraft and revenge. The General advises him to gather more proof before making accusations.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural and Folklore
Mocquet's belief in being nightmared by a witch and his description of her broomstick rides and devil's circle reflect the supernatural folklore of the time.
Revenge and Its Consequences
Mocquet suspects Mother Durand of revenge for his having witnessed her in a devil's circle, and he vows she will pay for it.
Characters to notice
- Mocquet
Reports being nightmared by Mother Durand, accusing her of witchcraft and revenge.
- General
Listens to Mocquet's complaint and advises caution in making accusations.
- Mother Durand
Accused by Mocquet of being a witch who nightmared him, and of having been Thibault's mistress.
- Thibault
Mentioned as the former master of Mother Durand, the wolf-leader.
Key passages
“The matter is, General, the matter is that I am nightmared.”
Mocquet tells the General that he is being tormented by a witch's nightmare.
Mocquet's unique use of 'nightmared' as a verb.
“To revenge herself on me, because I came upon her once at midnight on the heath of Gondreville, when she was dancing round and round in her devil's circle.”
Mocquet believes Mother Durand is haunting him in revenge for catching her in a witches' ritual.
Mocquet's explanation for the witch's actions.