# II: The She-Wolf explained — White Fang

> Chapter companion for White Fang by Jack London.

## What happens

Bill and Henry continue their journey through the frozen wilderness, now with only three dogs after losing three to the wolf pack. The she-wolf, a cunning and elusive creature, stalks them relentlessly, stealing food and killing dogs. Bill becomes increasingly despondent and fearful, while Henry tries to maintain morale. The she-wolf's intelligence and boldness are highlighted as she approaches the camp and even evades a shot from Bill. The chapter ends with the men feeling trapped and desperate.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Adaptation

The men must adapt to the relentless pursuit of the wolf pack, using fire, clubs, and limited ammunition to protect themselves and their remaining dogs.

### Cruelty and Kindness

The she-wolf's hunger-driven cruelty is contrasted with the men's struggle to survive, highlighting the brutal nature of the wild where kindness is absent.

### The Law of the Wild

The wolves' behavior exemplifies the law of the wild: they are driven by hunger and instinct, preying on the weak and using cunning to overcome obstacles.

## Character check-ins

### Henry

Henry tries to keep Bill's spirits up and remains pragmatic about their situation, though he too is affected by the constant threat of the wolves.

### Bill

Bill grows increasingly fearful and superstitious, believing the wolves will eventually get them. He is determined to kill the she-wolf but is outwitted by her.

### Kiche

The she-wolf is introduced as a cunning and persistent predator, responsible for the loss of several dogs. She is described as large, grey with a reddish hue, and shows no fear of humans.

### Spanker

Spanker is one of the dogs that has been killed by the wolves, mentioned by Bill as part of the pack's toll.

### Fatty

Fatty is another dog that has been killed and eaten by the wolves, referenced by Bill when discussing the wolves' hunger.

### Frog

Frog is the strongest dog of the team, but he is taken by the wolves during the night, further reducing the team to four dogs.

## Key lines

> I’ve hearn sailors talk of sharks followin’ a ship. Well, them wolves is land sharks. They know their business better’n we do, an’ they ain’t a-holdin’ our trail this way for their health. They’re goin’ to get us. They’re sure goin’ to get us, Henry.

Bill compares the wolves to sharks, saying they are relentless and will eventually catch them.

_Bill expresses his growing despair and certainty that the wolves will kill them._

> It’s the she-wolf. ... Kind of strange colour for a wolf. I never seen a red wolf before. Looks almost cinnamon to me.

Bill identifies the wolf as a female and comments on its unusual reddish-grey coat.

_The she-wolf is described with a unique coloration that sets her apart from typical wolves._

> I might have knowed it. Of course a wolf that knows enough to come in with the dogs at feedin’ time, ’d know all about shooting-irons.

Bill realizes the she-wolf is smart enough to avoid being shot because she has learned about guns from her interactions with humans.

_The she-wolf's intelligence is emphasized as she evades Bill's attempt to shoot her._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/white_fang_se/chapters/part-i-ii-the-she-wolf
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/white_fang_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/white_fang_se/chapters
