The Company of Wolves Quotes & Interpretations

"The wolf is carnivore incarnate and he's as cunning as he is ferocious"

Wolves are predators in the flesh, both clever and savage

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"Those slavering jaws; the lolling tongue; the rime of saliva on the grizzled chops"

Detailed description of the wolves' mouths to highlight their cruelty and their hunger

2 of 8

"She stands and moves within the invisible pentacle of her own virginity"

Theme of virginity is focused upon, to highlight the latent sexuality of the girl

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"The forest closed upon her like a pair of jaws"

The forest Company is personified as a menacing predator - The image of wolf and forest merge into one; each encapsulates and incorporates the other

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"now call on Christ and his mother and all the angels in heaven to protect you but it won't do you any good"

Carter uses religion to highlight the unstoppable power of the monster

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"eyes the size of saucers, saucers full of Greek fire, diabolic phosphorescence"

The wolves' eyes are an allusion to their nature as supernatural and demonic creatures

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"See! sweet and sound she sleeps in granny's bed, between the paws of the tender wolf"

Carter subverts expectations of the Little Red Riding Hood story, as the girl is able to tame the wolf.

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'blood on snow'

Symbolise both Menstrual blood and loss of virginity - highlights that girl is sexually matured

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Other cards in this set

Detailed description of the wolves' mouths to highlight their cruelty and their hunger

"Those slavering jaws; the lolling tongue; the rime of saliva on the grizzled chops"

Theme of virginity is focused upon, to highlight the latent sexuality of the girl

The forest Company is personified as a menacing predator - The image of wolf and forest merge into one; each encapsulates and incorporates the other

Carter uses religion to highlight the unstoppable power of the monster

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