Poem Analysis - A Wolf

A Lament for Extinction: Introduction

Jorge Luis Borges's "a wolf" is a poignant and elegiac poem that explores themes of extinction, isolation, and the relentless march of time. The poem opens with a somber tone, depicting a lone wolf's struggle for survival. The mood shifts from a descriptive observation of the wolf to a broader reflection on the wolf's fate and its place in history and myth. The poem ultimately becomes a meditation on loss and the futility of future remembrance.

The Wolf as a Symbol of Isolation and Doomed Existence

One of the primary themes in "a wolf" is isolation. The wolf is described as "grey and furtive," a "shade who runs alone," emphasizing its solitary existence. The line "He is the last wolf in all of Angle-land" underscores this isolation, marking him as the final representative of his species in that region. This isolation is further compounded by the impending threat of extinction. The poem highlights the inevitability of the wolf's demise, with phrases like "the powerful blade of your death has already been forged" and "Saxon wolf, your seed has come to nothing" reinforcing the sense of a doomed existence. The poem thus uses the wolf to symbolize not just physical isolation, but also the deeper isolation of being the last of one's kind, facing an inescapable end.

The Crushing Weight of Human History and Power

The poem also grapples with the theme of humanity's destructive impact on the natural world. The mention of "a commanding house of stone" where "a king has made up his mind / to put an end to wolves" highlights the abuse of power. It demonstrates how human ambition and control can lead to the systematic elimination of other species. This is not just about a single wolf's death; it's about the deliberate eradication of an entire lineage. The poem suggests a profound imbalance of power, where human will trumps the right to exist for other creatures. The reference to Odin and Thor contrasts the ancient, mythological past (where the wolf might have been revered) with the cold, calculated present, emphasizing the loss of respect for the natural world.

Time, Memory, and the Futility of Remembrance

Another compelling theme is the passage of time and the question of memory's value. The lines "A thousand years will pass and an old man / will dream of you in America. What use / can that future dream possibly be to you?" raise profound questions about the meaning of remembrance. While the future old man's dream acknowledges the wolf's existence, it offers no solace or benefit to the creature facing immediate extinction. This suggests a critique of sentimentalism or the idea that remembering the past somehow compensates for present actions. The poem questions whether future regret can justify present cruelty, implying that true value lies in preservation, not posthumous lamentation. This segment also raises an interesting point: why America? Is there an implication that the 'new world' will only ever 'dream' of the destruction of the old, an act of useless remorse?

Recurring Images and the Weight of Twilight

Several images recur throughout the poem, contributing to its overall message. The most striking is the description of the wolf as "grey and furtive in the final twilight." This image appears both at the beginning and the end of the poem, creating a sense of closure and inevitability. The "final twilight" symbolizes the end of the wolf's existence, a fading into darkness. The words "grey and furtive" suggest a sense of desperation and vulnerability, highlighting the wolf's precarious position. The nameless river "that repeats no stars" could symbolize the absence of hope or guidance for the wolf. The lack of stars could also represent a world devoid of wonder or spiritual connection, a world where only cold, hard reality prevails.

A Legacy of Loss: Conclusion

"a wolf" is a powerful and moving poem that explores themes of isolation, human cruelty, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and a somber tone, Borges captures the tragedy of extinction and questions the value of future remembrance in the face of present destruction. The poem serves as a lament for the loss of the wolf and a meditation on the broader consequences of human actions on the natural world. It leaves the reader with a lingering sense of sadness and a profound sense of responsibility towards the creatures that share our planet.