The Wolf-Leader · Chapter
Hunting Down the Werewolf explained
Thibault, transformed into a black wolf, is pursued by the Baron's hounds and a fresh pack of dogs.
What happens
Thibault, transformed into a black wolf, is pursued by the Baron's hounds and a fresh pack of dogs. He runs through forests and plains, trying to escape, but the chase is relentless. He hides in a cemetery and witnesses a funeral for Agnelette, whom he has killed. The priest declares that Thibault's sacrifice and repentance have saved him. The chapter ends with the narrator confirming the tale as told by old Mocquet.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural and Folklore
The werewolf transformation and the devil's pact are central to the chapter.
Fate and Free Will
Thibault questions his choices and whether he has been deceived by the devil's promises.
Love and Loss
Thibault's longing for Agnelette's love and his grief at her death are prominent.
Characters to notice
- Thibault
As the black wolf, he is hunted by the dogs and reflects on his pact and his love for Agnelette.
- Agnelette
Her funeral is held in the cemetery where Thibault hides; her death is the result of his actions.
- Baron de Vauparfond
He leads the hunt, riding at the head of his huntsmen and dogs.
- Mocquet
The narrator's father's keeper, who told the story of the black wolf.
Key passages
“Thibault had got well ahead of the dogs, thanks to the precaution he had taken of making good his escape at the first note of the bloodhound.”
Thibault escaped early when he heard the bloodhound, putting distance between himself and the dogs.
Shows Thibault's cunning and the beginning of the chase.
“It required a wolf’s ear to distinguish them so far off.”
Only a wolf's hearing could detect the dogs from such a distance.
Highlights Thibault's supernatural senses.
“He began to doubt whether he might not find himself deceived in the one as he had been in the first.”
He started to wonder if the second pact would also prove to be a trick, just like the first.
Reflects Thibault's growing suspicion of the devil's promises.
“The priest declared openly that Thibault, by reason of his sacrifice and repentance, had been saved!”
The priest proclaimed that Thibault's sacrifice and repentance had earned him salvation.
Indicates a possible redemption for Thibault.