The Wolfman: Plot Points, Character Analysis, and Key Themes

The Wolfman: Unraveling the Mystery

1. How does the film begin?

The film opens with a man, Ben Talbot, being attacked by a wolf in Blackmoor Woods.

2. Why does Gwen contact Lawrence Talbot?

Gwen contacts Lawrence, Ben's brother and an actor, to inform him that Ben has been missing for a month and to ask for his help in finding him. She travels to London to seek his assistance.

3. Why is Lawrence hesitant to help Gwen?

Lawrence is initially reluctant to help because he is committed to his performances in America.

4. What does Lawrence ultimately decide to do?

Lawrence decides to abandon his theatre tour and return to his family's estate in Blackmoor to investigate his brother's disappearance.

5. What is found among Ben's personal effects?

Among Ben's belongings are a photo of Gwen, a ring, and a medallion that Ben had apparently purchased.

6. Which flashbacks are shown?

Several flashbacks are shown, including:

• Gwen and Lawrence being awakened by noises in the bedroom.
• The three of them (Ben, Lawrence, and their mother) running around the fountain in the garden.
• A scene of his mother's suicide, with Lawrence standing over her body.

7. What happens when Lawrence visits the gypsies during a full moon?

The local townspeople attempt to confiscate a dancing bear from the gypsies' camp, believing it to be dangerous. A creature attacks the people in the camp, and Lawrence is bitten by a wolf while rescuing a young boy. A gypsy woman named Maleva tends to his neck wounds.

8. What does Singh, the servant, show Lawrence? What are they for?

Singh shows Lawrence silver bullets, explaining that there is a dangerous "master" loose in the town.

9. What happens when Lawrence follows his father to his mother's crypt?

Lawrence follows his father to his mother's crypt. His father tells him that he has been dead for years and locks himself in the room alone. Lawrence then transforms into the Wolfman.

10. What tortures is Lawrence subjected to after his transformation?

Lawrence is subjected to tortures such as ice water, electrotherapy treatments, and being tied with chains in a padded room.

11. What does Sir John Talbot explain to his son in the asylum?

Sir John Talbot visits his son in the asylum and explains that many years before, while hunting in India, he was bitten by a feral boy infected with lycanthropy. Lawrence realizes that he saw his father as a werewolf killing his mother. Sir John reveals that he relied on Singh to imprison him during full moons, but one night he became drunk and had an argument, knocking Singh unconscious. Unable to restrain himself, Mr. Talbot killed Ben and attacked the gypsy camp.

12. Who shoots Lawrence with a silver bullet?

Gwen picks up the gun and shoots Lawrence with a silver bullet.

13. What does Lawrence tell Gwen as he lies dying?

As Lawrence lies dying, he thanks Gwen for doing what needed to be done.

14. Who becomes the new werewolf in the end?

In the end, Inspector Aberline becomes the new werewolf.

Vocabulary

Missapprehend: Misinterpret

Stick: Baton

Silversmith: Goldsmith

Ditch: Trench

Grudge: Resentment

To have it off with a gypsy whore: To fornicate with a gypsy prostitute

Shithole: A despicable place

To outdo: To surpass

Wanton malevolence: Gratuitous evil

Dog-eat-dog world: A ruthless world

Delusions: Hallucinations

You moron: You idiot

Shells: Bullets

Heft: To weigh

Cunning murderer: Sly killer

Woe and devilry: Difficulty and calamity

Buckshot: Birdshot

Eel: A snake-like fish

A squabble: An argument

Whip your hip: Sway your hips

Buckery: Mockery

To impose: To intrude

To scour: To search an area

Overwhelmed: Feeling defeated