Truth and Symbolism

Abstract

This thesis explores crow and wolf symbolism within the mythology of Western Tradition, focusing on the Bible, Greek and Roman mythology, Native American folklore, Shakespeare, and Aesop's fables. Much of the animal imagery in literature is negative and does not truthfully represent the animals symbolized. This thesis investigates why these negative associations are formed, how they relate to the biological lives of wolves and crows, and explores their ambiguity in relation to the positive symbolism that exists. Negative symbols acquire strength as cultures grow further away from the land they live on and focus on industry and humanity instead of the world around them. The behavior of both wolves and crows is secretive, causing people to create stories to explain their actions. Furthermore, humans use these animals as a "shadow" to themselves, bestowing characteristics upon them which are found in human nature but are generally considered unacceptable.