The Talisman: A Novel
Chapter 20: Wolf Goes to the Movies
by King, StephenIn Chapter 18, “Wolf Goes to the Movies,” Jack and Wolf find themselves under a noisy overpass in Ohio after crossing from the Territories. Wolf, terrified by the roaring trucks and unfamiliar surroundings, clings to Jack in panic. Jack struggles to calm him, aware of Wolf’s overwhelming fear of this world. The chapter highlights Wolf’s distress and Jack’s reluctant role as his protector, as well as the physical toll the journey has taken on both of them. Jack reflects on their precarious situation, noting Wolf’s partial transformation—his hands still bear traces of his wolf-like features, adding to his discomfort in the human world.
As they move forward, Jack realizes their progress in the Territories has only translated to a short distance in the human world. They reach a highway exit sign pointing to Arcanum, and Jack decides they must hitchhike. Wolf’s appearance has changed slightly—his clothing now resembles typical human attire, and he wears glasses, which improve his vision but don’t ease his terror of the noisy, smelly environment. Jack observes Wolf’s reactions to the overwhelming stimuli, recognizing how alien and frightening the modern world is to him. Wolf’s despair is palpable, and Jack feels the weight of responsibility for his companion’s well-being.
Two days later, exhausted and injured, they arrive in Muncie, Indiana. Jack is feverish, and Wolf’s face is swollen from a wasp attack while trying to scavenge food. Wolf’s fear of cars and the oppressive smells of the human world remain unabated, causing him constant distress. Jack, though sympathetic, grows increasingly weary of Wolf’s reactions and his own deteriorating health. The chapter underscores the stark contrast between the Territories and the human world, with Wolf’s inability to adapt emphasizing the harshness of their reality. Jack worries about Wolf’s mental state and his own ability to continue protecting him.
The chapter closes with a sense of impending crisis. Jack’s physical and emotional resilience is waning, and Wolf’s terror and discomfort show no signs of abating. Their journey is fraught with danger and exhaustion, and Jack questions how much longer they can endure. The narrative captures the tension between their bond and the overwhelming challenges they face, leaving their future uncertain. The chapter paints a vivid picture of their struggle, blending action, emotion, and the surreal clash of two worlds.
FAQs
1. How does Wolf react to the modern world, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Wolf exhibits intense fear and discomfort in the modern world, particularly in response to loud noises like trucks and cars, which he perceives as terrifying “steel beasts.” His sensory overload extends to smells, which he finds unbearable, dubbing this world the “Country of Bad Smells.” These reactions highlight Wolf’s deep connection to the natural, quieter Territories and his inability to adapt to industrialized environments. His dependence on Jack for reassurance (“Don’t leave me, Jack”) underscores his vulnerability and childlike innocence, contrasting with his physical strength. This dichotomy emphasizes his role as a gentle giant displaced in an alien world.2. What symbolic significance does the broken bottle Jack holds carry in this chapter?
Answer:
The jagged neck of Speedy’s bottle, which Jack instinctively clutches like a weapon, symbolizes his lingering readiness for violence despite his exhaustion. Its accidental presence during Wolf’s panic attack—nearly causing harm—reflects the precariousness of their situation and Jack’s strained control. When Jack tosses it away (“Splash”), it marks a momentary rejection of aggression, but the act is fleeting. The bottle also ties back to Speedy, a mentor figure, suggesting Jack’s unresolved reliance on past guidance. This object subtly underscores themes of survival, unintended consequences, and the loss of “magic juice” (power/agency).3. Analyze the chapter’s portrayal of sensory overload and its impact on both characters.
Answer:
The chapter vividly depicts sensory overload through Wolf’s extreme reactions to noise (trucks, cars) and pollution smells, which trigger panic and physical illness. For Jack, the overload is more psychological: his fever, cough, and disorientation mirror Wolf’s distress but stem from exhaustion and responsibility. The “glass eyes” (glasses) Wolf acquires in this world ironically sharpen his vision while amplifying his horror. This contrast—Wolf’s visceral suffering versus Jack’s weary resignation—illustrates their shared but divergent struggles. The sensory details (“roaring turnpike traffic,” “decayed dolly”) immerse readers in the characters’ overwhelming environment, reinforcing themes of alienation and resilience.4. How does the chapter foreshadow potential future conflicts or challenges for Jack and Wolf?
Answer:
Several details hint at escalating struggles: Jack’s fever and worsening health (“world swam away in gray shades”) suggest physical collapse, while Wolf’s unrelenting terror of cars and smells implies he may not adapt. The wasp attack and Wolf’s insistence Jack eat the wormy apples reveal his loyalty, but also his naivety—traits that could endanger them. Jack’s internal monologue (“what’s happening with the moon?”) hints at impending lunar-related dangers (likely Wolf’s transformation). Additionally, the hostile encounter with the Camaro’s passengers (“Heyyyyy, assholes!”) foreshadows societal threats, emphasizing their vulnerability as outsiders in a hostile world.5. Evaluate Jack’s leadership in this chapter. How does his treatment of Wolf reflect his growth or limitations?
Answer:
Jack demonstrates both compassion and frustration in his care for Wolf. He reassures Wolf (“I won’t leave you”) and tolerates his panic, showing patience. However, his slap to free himself from Wolf’s grip and weary internal complaints (“How do you get into these things?”) reveal his strained resilience. His leadership is pragmatic—focusing on survival (hitching rides, assessing Wolf’s appearance)—but tinged with guilt and exhaustion. While he adapts to Wolf’s needs (e.g., loosening his grip), his inability to alleviate Wolf’s suffering reflects his limited resources. This dynamic highlights Jack’s transitional growth: he’s responsible but not yet fully selfless, still grappling with his own survival versus Wolf’s dependence.
Quotes
1. “Wolf howled in terror and plastered his hands over his ears. Jack could see that most of the hair had disappeared from Wolf’s hands in the flip—most, but not all. And, he saw, the first two fingers of each of Wolf’s hands were exactly the same length.”
This quote captures Wolf’s visceral terror of the modern world (represented by the trucks) while also hinting at his supernatural origins through the physical details. It marks a key moment where Jack observes Wolf’s transitional state between worlds.
2. “‘I didn’t know I did,’ Wolf said. ‘I guess so. Wolf! I sure see better over here, with these glass eyes. Wolf, right here and now!’ He looked out at the roaring turnpike traffic, and for just a moment Jack saw what he must be seeing: great steel beasts with huge yellow-white eyes, snarling through the night at unimaginable speeds.”
This passage powerfully conveys Wolf’s alien perspective on modern technology, showing how his perception transforms ordinary vehicles into terrifying monsters. It highlights the chapter’s theme of cultural shock between worlds.
3. “Jack knew—coming back from the Territories, you were bowled over by odors you barely noticed when you were living with them. Diesel fuel, car exhausts, industrial wastes, garbage, bad water, ripe chemicals. Then you got used to them again. Got used to them or just went numb.”
This insight reveals the environmental theme of the chapter, contrasting the purity of the Territories with the pollution of our world. It shows Jack’s growing awareness of how humans adapt to (and ignore) environmental degradation.
4. “‘It’s all right, Wolf,’ he said wearily, peeling Wolf’s arms off for the twentieth or thirtieth time that day. ‘They’re gone.’ ‘So loud!’ Wolf moaned. ‘Wolf! Wolf! Wolf! So loud, Jack, my ears, my ears!’”
This exchange exemplifies the ongoing tension between Jack’s protective role and Wolf’s inability to adapt to modern noise pollution. The repetition of “Wolf!” in his speech patterns makes this particularly memorable while showing his distress.
5. “If he didn’t get Wolf back into the Territories fairly soon, Jack thought he might go crazy. He’ll probably drive me crazy while he’s at it, Jack thought. Not that I’ve got far to go anymore.”
This internal monologue reveals Jack’s deteriorating mental state and the psychological toll of being responsible for Wolf in an alien world. It foreshadows potential breakdowns while showing Jack’s dark humor about his situation.