Exploring ‘Wolf Totem’ by Jiang Rong: Nature, Culture, and the Spirit of the Wolf

Introduction “Wolf Totem,” written by Jiang Rong, is a novel that delves into the intricate relationship between nature, culture, and the symbolism of the wolf in Mongolian society. Set against the backdrop of the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia during the Cultural Revolution, the narrative follows a young Chinese student who is sent to the region as a “sent-down youth.” Through his interactions with the nomadic Mongolian people and their reverence for the wolf, the novel raises profound questions about the coexistence of humanity and nature, the cultural significance of animals, and the philosophical underpinnings of freedom and survival. This report aims to explore the key themes of nature, culture, and the spirit of the wolf as depicted in “Wolf Totem,” arguing that the novel serves as a powerful commentary on the importance of preserving cultural identities and the natural world in the face of modernity.

The Interplay of Nature and Culture One of the central themes of “Wolf Totem” is the relationship betw