# V explained — The Wolf-Leader

> Chapter companion for The Wolf-Leader by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

The narrator's father, the General, listens to Mocquet's account of being nightmared by Mother Durand. Though skeptical, he feigns belief to prevent Mocquet from taking revenge. The conversation reveals Mocquet's superstitions and his unique terminology, including his insistence on calling wild beasts 'wily beasts.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Supernatural and Folklore

Mocquet's belief in being 'nightmared' by a witch reflects the persistence of folk superstitions.

## Character check-ins

### Mocquet

Reports his nightmare and accuses Mother Durand; discusses his remedies and his unique phrase 'wily beast.'

### General

The narrator's father, who listens to Mocquet's tale and tries to manage his superstitions.

## Key lines

> I must look carefully into this matter

The General decides to investigate the situation thoroughly.

_The General's initial reaction to Mocquet's tale._

> I did what I do when I want to catch a wily beast.

Mocquet used his usual method for trapping a cunning animal.

_Mocquet's approach to dealing with the nightmare._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wolf_leader_se/chapters/v
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wolf_leader_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wolf_leader_se/chapters