The Wolf-Leader · Chapter
VIII: Thibault's Wishes explained
Landry is discovered hiding at the mill by the recruiting sergeant, who is guided by Thibault's unconscious wish.
What happens
Landry is discovered hiding at the mill by the recruiting sergeant, who is guided by Thibault's unconscious wish. Thibault then proposes to the widow, Madame Polet, who rejects him violently. In his anger, Thibault curses a pig, which goes mad and dies, leading the widow to denounce him as a werewolf. Thibault flees, confirming her suspicions.
Themes in this chapter
Deal with the Devil
Thibault's wishes, granted by the black wolf, are beginning to have unintended and uncontrollable consequences, highlighting the dangerous nature of his pact.
Supernatural and Folklore
The chapter is steeped in folklore, with the immediate and visible effect of Thibault's curse on the pig and the widow's accusation of him being a werewolf.
Characters to notice
- Thibault
Unconsciously wishes for Landry to be found, proposes to Madame Polet, and is rejected. His curse on a pig causes it to go mad, leading to him being called a werewolf.
- Landry
Is discovered hiding at the mill by the recruiting sergeant and is dragged out, having enlisted in a moment of despair over his love for Madame Polet.
- Madame Polet
Hides Landry from the sergeant, rejects Thibault's marriage proposal with fury, and denounces him as a wizard and werewolf after witnessing his curse on the pig.
Key passages
“Hide! said Thibault, that will be of no use, I can tell you.”
Thibault tells Landry that hiding will be futile.
This is an unconscious wish that leads the sergeant to find Landry.
“Devil take you, you beast! cried the shoemaker, bruised by his fall, but even more furious at seeing his new clothes covered with mud.”
Thibault curses the pig that knocked him down, wishing the devil take it.
This curse is immediately fulfilled, causing the pig to go mad and die, and leading to Thibault being accused of sorcery.