The Wolf-Leader · Chapter
XX: True to Tryst explained
Thibault, having left the Countess's room, finds himself homeless and wanders into the forest.
What happens
Thibault, having left the Countess's room, finds himself homeless and wanders into the forest. He discovers the skeleton of Lestocq, the head keeper, killed by wolves. At night, he goes to the Castle of Mont-Gobert, where Lisette leads him to the Countess's room. He finds the Countess dead, having poisoned herself, with a note saying 'True to tryst.' Lisette reveals that the Countess killed the Count before dying. Thibault is later captured by gendarmes but is freed when his wolf pack attacks them, breaking his bonds.
Themes in this chapter
Deal with the Devil
Thibault's pact with the black wolf is evident as he calls upon it to free him from bonds, and the wolves obey his command.
Supernatural and Folklore
The wolves act as supernatural agents, responding to Thibault's will, and the chapter is steeped in folkloric elements.
Fate and Free Will
Thibault's encounter with the dead Countess and his subsequent capture and release suggest a predetermined path, yet he exercises his will to call upon the wolves.
Characters to notice
- Thibault
Wanders homeless, discovers Lestocq's skeleton, finds the Countess dead, and is freed by his wolves.
- Lisette
Leads Thibault to the Countess's room and reveals the tragic events.
- Countess Jane
Found dead in her room, having poisoned herself, true to her tryst.
- Lestocq
His skeleton is found in the forest, killed by wolves.
- Master Wolf
Implied presence in the wolf pack that frees Thibault.
Key passages
“True to tryst,—yes, true and faithful unto death, for the Countess was dead!”
The Countess kept her promise even in death, as she was found dead in her room.
Highlights the theme of love and loss, and the tragic outcome of the Countess's vow.
“Oh! black wolf! friend, let these cords that bind me be loosened; thou knowest well that it is only to do evil that I wish for my hands to be free.”
Thibault calls upon the black wolf to break his bonds, acknowledging his intent to do harm.
Emphasizes Thibault's continued allegiance to the devil and his malevolent purpose.