One of the strongest literary images from "Of Wolves and Men" is the author's description of a wolf howling at night. This image is memorable because it captures the essence of the wolf as a wild and mysterious creature, while also evoking a sense of longing and solitude.
In the book, the author writes, "a wolf howled, his voice a deep harmony of sound across the snow. It was a melancholy song, a distant colossus of sound that matched the vastness of the moonlit landscape." This vivid description allows the reader to visualize the scene, with the wolf's call cutting through the night air, echoing across the snowy terrain.
The author uses various descriptive details to enhance this image. For example, he mentions the "deep harmony of sound," which suggests the power and reverberation of the wolf's howl. The phrase "distant colossus of sound" conveys the sheer magnitude and majesty of the wolf's voice. Additionally, the use of the word "melancholy" creates a sense of sadness and longing, as if the wolf is yearning for something beyond its current existence.
This image contributes to the main idea of the text by highlighting the connection between humans and wolves, as well as the complex and often misunderstood nature of these animals. The author explores the notion of the wolf as a symbol of wilderness and our primal instincts. By describing the howling wolf in such vivid detail, the author conveys the power and beauty of these creatures, reinforcing the idea that they are an integral part of the natural world.
Describe one of the strongest literary images (not a picture or drawing from the reading) you encountered from any of the following literature:
from Of Wolves and Men by Barry Holstun Lopez
Why is this image memorable? How does the author use vivid descriptive details to help the reader visualize what is being described? How does this image contribute to the main idea of the text? Please use specific details from the text to support your answer.
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