The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

“The house was all alight within, and the joyous hubbub of its activity contrasted with the somber sighing of the wind and the hideous howling of the wolves without.”

This introductory description of Willoughby Chase encompasses the joy and brilliance of the family inside the home, contrasted with the threat symbolized by the wolves. The presence of the wolves foreshadows the arrival of threats to the estate and the family in the form of Miss Slighcarp and Mr. Grimshaw.

“Miss Slighcarp reeled under the impact—her bonnet came off, so did her gray hair, which, apparently, was a wig, leaving her bald, dripping, and livid with rage.”

This moment connects Miss Slighcarp’s characterization both with deception, because of the wig, and with violence with her rage at Bonnie and Pattern. Miss Slighcarp is immediately characterized as villainous, and that characterization continues throughout the book.

“‘Now remember, dear child,’ she said, kissing Sylvia and looking suspiciously round the empty compartment, ‘never speak to strangers, tip all the servants immediately…and if anyone except the guard speaks to you, pull the communication cord.’”

Aunt Jane’s farewell to Sylvia introduces the theme of The Dual Nature of Strangers. Aunt Jane “looking suspiciously” and her subsequent caution to never speak with strangers establishes the potential risk of strangers.