The Wolf-Leader · Chapter

The Wolf-Leader explained

The chapter introduces the narrator, a young man who becomes involved with the old wolf and Mocquet.

What happens

The chapter introduces the narrator, a young man who becomes involved with the old wolf and Mocquet. It sets the stage for the tale of Thibault, a shoemaker who makes a pact with the Devil, and the consequences that follow.

Read this chapter free Book page

Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Thibault’s psychological peak occurs when he misreads the wolves’ and owls’ devotion as proof of universal lov…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Themes in this chapter

Deal with the Devil
The chapter introduces the central pact between Thibault and the black wolf, a classic deal with the devil.
Supernatural and Folklore
The chapter is steeped in folklore, with the black wolf as a supernatural entity and the tale itself being a local legend.

Characters to notice

Mocquet
The old keeper who tells the tale of Thibault and the black wolf.
Thibault
The central figure of the tale, a shoemaker who makes a pact with the Devil.
Satan
The Devil who appears as a black wolf and makes a pact with Thibault.

Key passages

“The Wolf-Leader”
The title of the chapter, referring to Thibault's role in leading the wolves.
This title sets up the central conflict of the story.

Continue in the reader All chapters