XII: Wolves in the Sheep Fold explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deal with the Devil

  Thibault's continued reliance on the black wolf's power is evident as he commands the pack to hunt for him, showing the ongoing consequences of his pact.

• Jealousy and Obsession

  Thibault's obsession with Madame Magloire leads him to spy on her, and his discovery of her other lover ignites a new conflict, highlighting the destructive nature of his desire.

• Class and Power

  Thibault's ambition to rise in status by courting the Bailiff's wife is a central motivation, and his use of the forest's game (owned by the Duke) underscores the class tensions of the era.

Characters to notice

• Thibault

  Thibault orchestrates a grand hunt with his wolf pack to provide game for Madame Magloire, then hides in her bedroom, only to discover she has another lover.

• Madame Magloire

  Madame Magloire receives Thibault's gift of game but later secretly meets with a mysterious giant of a man in her bedroom, revealing her duplicity.

• Maître Magloire

  The Bailiff is overjoyed by Thibault's gift of game and calls for his wife to share in his gratitude, unaware of the plot unfolding in his own home.

• Master Wolf

  The black wolf is referenced as Thibault's 'Cousin Wolf' and the source of his power, though he does not appear directly in this chapter.

Key passages

• “You must acknowledge, friend Thibault, that you are a lucky rascal! Madame Suzanne is in every possible respect just what you want! A Bailiff’s wife! my word! that’s a conquest worth making!”

  Thibault congratulates himself on his good fortune, seeing Madame Suzanne as a valuable prize that will elevate his social standing.

  This reveals Thibault's primary motivation: social climbing through marriage or an affair with the Bailiff's wife.

• “Not that I do, or can, wish for the death of poor Monsieur Magloire. If I take his place after he is no more, well and good; but to kill a man who has given you such good wine to drink!”

  Thibault does not want to kill the Bailiff, but he is already planning to take his place after the man's natural death, which he believes will not be long in coming.

  This shows Thibault's calculating nature and his willingness to wait for his opportunity, even as he enjoys the Bailiff's hospitality.

• “He was hatching a plot. He had not forgotten the promise he had made to the Bailiff to send him some game from his warren; his warren being, in fact, the whole of the forest-land which belonged to his most serene Highness the Duke of Orleans.”

  Thibault devises a scheme to fulfill his promise by poaching game from the Duke's forest, using his wolf pack to do the work.

  This highlights Thibault's audacity and his disregard for the law, as he treats the Duke's land as his own personal hunting ground.

• “Thibault instantly recalled his adventure with the unknown combatant, whose mantle he had clung to, and whom he had so triumphantly disposed of by hitting him on the forehead with a stone.”

  Thibault recognizes the man climbing through the window as the same giant he fought and defeated earlier.

  This creates a direct connection between Thibault's past encounter and the current situation, setting up a potential confrontation.