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.

1 answer

One of the strongest literary images from Of Wolves and Men is the description of the wolf's eyes as "sudden like the vent of a furnace" (Lopez 39). This image is memorable because it captures the intense and piercing gaze of the wolf, evoking a sense of danger and power.

The author uses vivid descriptive details to help the reader visualize this image by comparing the eyes to the vent of a furnace. This allows us to imagine the eyes as bright and fiery, conveying the intense energy and vitality of the wolf.

This image contributes to the main idea of the text by emphasizing the wild and untamed nature of wolves. Throughout the book, Lopez explores the complex relationship between humans and wolves, delving into the concept of the "wilderness" and our perceptions of it. By depicting the wolf's eyes in such a fiery and intense manner, the author reinforces the idea that these animals are a force of nature that cannot be controlled or tamed. The image serves as a reminder of the inherent wildness and power of wolves and highlights the challenges faced in coexistence between humans and these apex predators.