Leo Tolstoy is one of the greatest Russian writers, recognized as the head of Russian literature. Everyone knows his works “War and Peace”, “Anna Karenina”, “Childhood, Adolescence and Youth”, “Father Sergius” and others. Many of them are studied as part of the compulsory school curriculum in literature.
However, the authorship of Tolstoy belongs not only to novels and novels. He also created dozens of philosophical and moralizing stories and parables, one of which is “How Wolves Teach Their Children”.
Purpose of creation
The story-parable is included in the collection "Russian books for reading." The work “How Wolves Teach Their Children” was created by Tolstoy for young readers. The goal of the writer was to introduce children to the life and habits of wild animals.
The plot of the parable
The narration is in the first person. An unnamed hero, by which Leo Tolstoy probably means himself, walked across the field. Suddenly, somewhere near there was a piercing scream. The shepherd boy, watching the flock of sheep, was voting.
He fled after two predators who stole a young lamb from the herd. One of the animals was clearly an old, experienced, seasoned wolf. The other is much younger. He could even be called a wolf cub. It was he who dragged the dead lamb on his back, while the adult predator ran a little behind.
Hearing the screams of a shepherd and a storyteller, the locals came running with dogs. As soon as a seasoned wolf sensed danger, he immediately caught up with a young fellow, grabbed his prey from him, and together they instantly disappeared from human eyes.
The chase was over. The shepherd boy told the others exactly how the wolves stole the lamb. An adult predator jumped out of the ravine and bit the young sheep. A young wolf grabbed him and dragged him on his back. However, he carried the prey only until then, until they became threatened by a real danger.
Analysis
As you know, wolves are pack animals that lead a family lifestyle. Adults teach inexperienced babies various skills necessary for survival in the wild.
In the story of the parable of Tolstoy, “How Wolves Teach Their Children,” several lessons are shown that an adult predator taught to a young student.
The ability to hunt is the most important skill for any wild animal. An experienced wolf showed the cub how to properly track the victim and attack, as well as how to deliver the prey to a secluded place.
But when people and their dogs appeared in sight, the process of learning to hunt had to be stopped. An adult predator took a lamb from a young fellow, realizing that in this way they will be able to hide faster and get to other members of their pack.