The poem begins with the wolf demanding a "sense of history," asserting his actions were for posterity, for educational purposes, and to teach a clear moral lesson. This opening sets the tone for the wolf's defense and recontextualization of the events of the fairy tale. He suggests that the story, as commonly told, serves to teach children not to stray or talk to strangers, thus justifying his role in it. Ali cleverly plays with the notion of plot and the wolf’s self-awareness within the story. The wolf questions why he didn’t devour Little Red Riding Hood in the jungle itself and why he bothered to ask about her grandmother’s location. This self-reflection introduces the idea of the wolf not just as a character in a tale but as an entity aware of the narrative's artificial constructs. By calling himself the "Big Bad Wolf," he acknowledges and critiques the label given to him by the story’s traditional narrative. He defends himself against implied accusations of being a "child-molester," acknowledging the girl's beauty but distancing himself from any sexual connotations. This defense adds depth to his character, suggesting a complexity beyond the one-dimensional villain he is usually portrayed as. The wolf’s recounting of the huntsman's actions paints a grotesque picture, contrasting with the fairy tale's usually sanitized version. The description of being cut open, filled with stones and garbage, and left to die highlights the cruelty inflicted upon him, a detail often glossed over in the children's story. Ali’s portrayal of the wolf's perspective challenges the reader to reconsider the simplicity of traditional fairy tales. By giving voice to the wolf, the poem invites us to see beyond black-and-white morality and consider the nuances in storytelling. The wolf's narrative is one of self-defense, justification, and a plea for a more nuanced understanding of his character. In "The Wolf's Postscript to 'Little Red Riding Hood'," Ali masterfully uses the wolf's voice to critique the narrative constraints of fairy tales and the moral lessons they impart. The poem is a compelling re-examination of a familiar story, inviting readers to question and reevaluate the narratives we have been told and the characters we have been taught to vilify. |