A Synopsis of Lasting Themes Found in “The Child by Tiger”
In Thomas Wolfe’s carefully constructed short story, “The Child by Tiger,” excerpts from William Blake’s poem “Tiger” and the King James Bible enrich the central themes of the plot. Although “The Child by Tiger” is very cryptic in revealing its purpose, several important concepts may be inspected to aid the reader in discovering Wolfe’s meaning. The stirring first stanza of “Tiger,” chosen by Wolfe to precede his story, braces the reader for the darker imagery to follow. The vivid words of Blake’s poem are put to work as underlying themes in “The Child by Tiger,” including images of darkness, shadows, fear, and the fire-like burn of the tiger’s eye that haunts the rest of the plot. It is in this imagery that perhaps Wolfe’s primary theme is founded: what is human nature and what are its capabilities for both good and evil?The character Dick Prosser is upon introduction a deeply religious, gentle, and multi-talented man. Almost immediately in the story, Wolfe begins a consistent reference to Dick as very cat-like in nature, drawing on his cunning prowess, speed, and agility. It can thus be gathered that the tiger illustrated
The events that follow in the narration of Dick’s final days is so sudden, and ends so abruptly that Wolfe’s purpose is lost somewhere between South Dean Street and the undertaking parlor. The extreme shift in Dick Prosser’s character may at first appear unprecipitated; however, upon closer inspection of the character and the surrounding circumstances, a better understanding can be reached. Comparing basic human nature to that of an animal, it is much easier to relate to Dick feeling trapped. The actions of Dick Prosser, the mob, and the police posse so resemble primitive, animal-like instinct that the reader is forced to ask, “where is the line drawn?” and “what causes one to cross it?” Referring to “Tiger” once again, the question arises as to how one can posses the gentleness of a lamb and yet harbor the ferocity and savagery of a tiger? To further this query, what was the purpose of the Creator to forge such a fearsome creature upon His anvil, knowing well the darkne Symbols from the excerpt taken out of Exodus are again very cryptic. Did Wolfe purposely include this excerpt to chart Dick’s transformation, or was it rather a satire on the hypocrisy possessed by man? Following the passage of the Bible very closely, Dick emerges from th
Some topics in this essay:
Dick Prosser,
Child Tiger”,
Comparing Dick,
Dick Prosser’s,
William Blake’s,
Thomas Wolfe,
James Bible,
Thomas Wolfe’s,
dick prosser,
Dean Street,
human nature,
“the child tiger”,
blake’s poem,
“the child,
child tiger”,
Themes Found,
excerpt exodus,
darkness shadows,
william blake’s,
stanza “tiger”,
short story,
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Approximate Word count = 860
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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