The Wolf-Leader · Chapter
Death and Resurrection explained
Thibault, in the guise of Baron Raoul, is gravely wounded in a duel with the Comte de Mont-Gobert.
What happens
Thibault, in the guise of Baron Raoul, is gravely wounded in a duel with the Comte de Mont-Gobert. He is found by peasants and taken to a priest's house, where he lies dying. As he hovers between life and death, he experiences a feverish vision of his past sins and the consequences of his pact. At the stroke of half past nine, the Baron Raoul dies, and Thibault's fate is sealed.
Themes in this chapter
Deal with the Devil
Thibault's pact with the devil leads to his current suffering and impending death, as he faces the consequences of his wish.
Fate and Free Will
Thibault's choices and the inescapable timing of the transformation highlight the tension between his will and the predetermined outcome.
Love and Loss
Thibault's memories of his love for Agnelette and his encounters with Lisette and the Countess surface in his dying visions.
Characters to notice
- Thibault
Lying wounded and dying, reflecting on his past and the approaching transformation.
- Baron de Vauparfond
The identity Thibault has assumed; his body is dying, and his death marks the end of the 24-hour transformation.
- The Priest
Former curé of Vauparfond, tends to Thibault and hears his delirious confession.
- The Doctor
Examines the wound and declares there is no chance for recovery.
- Comte de Mont-Gobert
Thibault's adversary in the duel; his spectre appears in Thibault's feverish vision.
Key passages
“He had it on the tip of his tongue to hurl after them all the maledictory wishes wherewith one would like to assail one’s cruellest enemy.”
He nearly cursed them with every evil wish one might direct at a worst enemy.
Thibault's anger at being left to die.
“The priest had at one time been Curé of Vauparfond, and while there had been engaged to give Raoul his first schooling.”
The priest had once served as the parish priest of Vauparfond and had taught Raoul his early lessons.
The priest's connection to the Baron.
“The clock was called eternity, and the monstrous pendulum, as it swung backwards and forwards called out in turn at every beat: “Never! Forever!””
The clock represented eternity, and its pendulum seemed to say 'Never! Forever!' with each swing.
Thibault's feverish vision of time and damnation.