Outsiders and Society's Treatmentīoth Wolf-Alice and the Duke find themselves isolated, devoid of human or animal companionship. Angela Carter implies that the townsfolk's haste to distance themselves from the Duke reflects a tendency to prematurely give up on individuals deemed different or challenging. Wolf-Alice, being intimately familiar with the wolf-like existence, is well-suited to provide that compassion. The story's conclusion suggests that what the Duke truly needed to be 'cured' of his condition was care and understanding from someone who could empathize with him. Both Wolf-Alice and the Duke face rejection from society due to their wolf-like behavior. This unique perspective adds a distinct dimension to the central male-female relationship in the story. Unlike the previous wolf-stories in the collection, 'Wolf-Alice' stands out because it features a female protagonist who embodies beast-like characteristics. She forms an unexpected alliance with a male werewolf, ultimately leading to his restoration to humanity. The titular character, while not fully a werewolf herself, exhibits numerous wolf-like qualities. In contrast to the previous story, 'The Company of Wolves,' where the female protagonist saves herself and tames the male werewolf through sexual encounters, 'Wolf-Alice' presents a different dynamic. It also marks the end of a trilogy of werewolf-themed tales within the collection. 'Wolf-Alice' serves as the concluding story in Angela Carter's collection, The Bloody Chamber. 'Wolf-Alice': An Analysis of Themes and Interpretations Angela Carter weaves a haunting narrative that challenges conventional notions of identity and celebrates the resilience and untamed spirit of her enigmatic protagonist. 'Wolf-Alice' is a tale that explores themes of transformation, the coexistence of the human and animal worlds, and the power of self-discovery. Gradually, the Duke's reflection appears in the mirror, indicating that Wolf-Alice has potentially cured him of his lycanthropy. Returning to the castle, Wolf-Alice licks the Duke's wounds, and a remarkable transformation occurs. As the townsfolk believe Wolf-Alice to be the ghost of the murdered bride, she chases after the wounded Duke, startling the crowd, who flee in terror. Shot in the shoulder, the Duke becomes the target of the bridegroom's vengeance. When the Duke appears, the townsfolk attack him, and he retreats to his castle. His arsenal includes bells, books, candles, holy water, and silver bullets. Meanwhile, a bridegroom, whose betrothed was killed and devoured by the Duke, awaits in the church, armed with an array of charms and weapons aimed at avenging his beloved's death. A Vengeful Bridegroom and a Supernatural Confrontation Intrigued, she decides to wear the dress and ventures out of the castle. Behind the mirror, she discovers a white wedding dress hidden by the Duke. Unlike the Duke, she can see her reflection in the mirror and becomes fascinated with her appearance.

An Awakening and a Mysterious DressĪs Wolf-Alice reaches adulthood, she experiences the physical changes associated with maturity, such as menstruation and the growth of breasts and pubic hair. In his castle, she assumes the role of his maid. The Duke, being a werewolf, shares a connection with Wolf-Alice, as she embodies more wolf-like qualities than human characteristics. However, the nuns struggle to tame her wild nature, leading them to make the decision to send her to live with the Duke in his castle. After her wolf-mother is tragically killed by peasants, she is taken in by nuns at a convent. Wolf-Alice, the story's protagonist, behaves much like a wolf, running on all fours and communicating through wolf-like howls. Plot Summary: A Feral Existence and New Beginnings Her life takes an unexpected turn when she is brought to live with a Duke who is afflicted with lycanthropy, the condition of being a werewolf. 'Wolf-Alice' is a captivating short story featured in Angela Carter's 1979 collection of modern fairy tales, 'The Bloody Chamber.' The narrative follows the journey of a young girl named Wolf-Alice, who has been raised by wolves and possesses wolf-like characteristics.

Wolf alice madison