Francis loved the woods and out-of-doors because everything was there—good and evil, danger and refuge, violence and peace. When he heard the news about the wolf of Gubbio, Francis felt sympathetic towards the wolf. He saw in the wolf not so much the stalker as the stalked. Everyone feared wolves and disliked them. But he saw in the eyes of wolves a fear and anger. But, wolves, after all are just like men. Their hunger, the restless pursuit, the baring of fangs was so symbolic of what was wild and violent in all of us.
Before the gossip could create more fear, Francis bravely walked to the plaza and began to preach about God’s commandment concerning love for all creatures of God. He asked the people where the wolf’s lair was because he wanted to see it and prove to the wolf and all that love had nothing to do with fear. The townsfolk were shocked, while some began to laugh in mockery of Francis a woman then showed Francis the way to the wolf’s lair.
Soon, they reached the place. Suddenly, they heard behind them a low growl and a pounding of the ground. Francis then made the sign of the cross. He took a deep breath and started walking slowly towards the wolf. The wolf was growling menacingly. Then, Francis stopped a few yards from the wolf and stared at him as kindly as he could under the situation.
The wolf’s eyes flashed with anger but Francis did not move now that he was face-to-face with the wolf. He stood still and tried to look calm. Then, he said in a low quiet voice: “Brother Wolf.” The wolf quieted down in an apparent response to Francis’ words. Francis spoke again “Brother Wolf, in the name of Jesus, our Brother, I have come for you. We need you in the city. The people have come with me to ask you to be the guardian and protector of Gubbio. In return, we offer you respect and shelter for as long as you live.” Francis then stretched out his hand to the wolf that seemed so calm but remained unmoved, scanning the crowd with bloodshot eyes, slowly, it walked to Francis and lifted his paw into his warm steady hand. Finally, Francis leaned over and put his arms about the wolf’s neck. Then he and his new brother walked meekly up to the brave peasant woman who accompanied him all along. Then they went back to Gubbio.
The Essay on William Armstrong Doodle Brother Walk
The short story "The Scarlet Ibis", by James Hurst was about a boy named William Armstrong, and his brother. William Armstrong was crippled when he was born and he cannot walk. His brother than calls him doodle, because that name would fit him better. But as Doodle got older, and every time his brother has to go somewhere, he would have to take doodle with him too. His brother got annoyed so he ...