A Synopsis of Lasting Themes Found in “The Child by Tiger”

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 in Blake’s poem is symbolic of Dick.

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” All information held from the reader is purposefully concealed or blurred by darkness, suggesting a shadow over human nature. 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 the dark forest much like the dark tiger in Blake’s poem, and makes his way across the pasture farmland and stops before the river to face death. 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. Upon the narrator’s discovery of the open Bible passage after Dick’s violent death, his massacre no longer seems unprovoked or spontaneous. Thus develops the author’s lasting theme. The narrator paints an illustrious image of Dick Prosser in the early stages of the story, creating an instant admiration for what the reader first believes to be the protagonist; however, it is soon noted that Dick “went too softly, at too swift a pace”, marring the seemingly flawless character and casting a shadow of doubt over the almost-hero. His use of William Blake’s “Tiger” and the psalm from the Bible were chosen for their symbolic imagery and lasting impression upon the reader. He met death with no fear, showing the same indifference to his own demise as when he calming killed so many of the townspeople. 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

ss it possessed? Is human nature capable of both good and evil or is it rather one or the other? The narrator’s confusion as to why Dick Prosser, a man he admired as a young boy, could suddenly “snap” and display such primitive savagery is manipulated by Wolfe to present the broader questions regarding human nature. Night, darkness, and shadows emerge as crucial themes, once again drawing their power from the introductory stanza from “Tiger.

Symbols from the excerpt taken out of Exodus are again very cryptic.

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. Comparing basic human nature to that of an animal, it is much easier to relate to Dick feeling trapped. It is my own belief that Dick Prosser felt justified by this psalm and strode forward to meet his end fully believing that it was the right thing to do.

Common topics in this essay:
Dick Prosser, Child Tiger, Comparing Dick, Referring Tiger, Dick Prossers, Thomas Wolfe, Blakes Tiger, Dean Street, James Bible, Thomas Wolfes, dick prosser, human nature, child tiger, blakes poem, excerpt exodus, william blakes, short story, stanza tiger, darkness shadows,

Approximate Word count = 860
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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