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The Wolf-Leader · Chapter

The Wolf-Leader explained

The chapter introduces the narrator, a young man who becomes involved with the old wolf and Mocquet.

What happens

The chapter introduces the narrator, a young man who becomes involved with the old wolf and Mocquet. It sets the stage for the tale of Thibault, a shoemaker who makes a pact with the Devil, and the consequences that follow.

Themes in this chapter

  • Deal with the Devil

    The chapter introduces the central pact between Thibault and the black wolf, a classic deal with the devil.

  • Supernatural and Folklore

    The chapter is steeped in folklore, with the black wolf as a supernatural entity and the tale itself being a local legend.

Characters to notice

  • Mocquet

    The old keeper who tells the tale of Thibault and the black wolf.

  • Thibault

    The central figure of the tale, a shoemaker who makes a pact with the Devil.

  • Satan

    The Devil who appears as a black wolf and makes a pact with Thibault.

Key passages

  • “The Wolf-Leader”

    The title of the chapter, referring to Thibault's role in leading the wolves.

    This title sets up the central conflict of the story.

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