Summary
"Where the Jackals Howl" unfolds against the backdrop of a kibbutz caught in the seasonal shift from summer to autumn. The narrative, rich in its exploration of human relationships, primarily revolves around Sashka, his daughter Galila, and Matityahu Damkov, a Holocaust survivor seeking connection. As the story delves into personal interactions, it also reflects on generational contrasts and the tensions between tradition and change within the kibbutz community.
Seasonal Shifts and Personal Reflections
The opening section introduces the landscape transitioning from summer to fall, marked by a cool breeze cutting through the lingering warmth of the "khamsin" wind. This scene quickly shifts focus to the intimate setting of Sashka, busy at his writing desk, and then to his daughter Galila, who is showering. Galila ponders an invitation from Matityahu Damkov, who has asked her to visit his room. Damkov promises intriguing gifts of artists’ supplies and a particular pattern sent by a cousin from South America.
Evening Descends on the Kibbutz
As sunset envelops the plain and the kibbutz, older residents, part of the first generation of kibbutzniks, linger on their deck chairs. Meanwhile, Damkov leaves his room for the communal dining hall, his physique and past roles on the kibbutz vividly described. The narrative lens again shifts, capturing Damkov’s internal musings about whether Galila will join him.
Communal Life and Private Tensions
Within the dining hall, the kibbutzniks engage in lively discussions, dividing the newspaper amongst themselves. Tanya voices her frustrations to the work organizer about Damkov’s neglect in repairing a lock. As night falls, generators power electric searchlights, illuminating the kibbutz. Outside, a curious jackal cub finds itself caught in a steel trap set to protect the community. Meanwhile, the plowed fields and the circles of light symbolize the divide between the original settlers and newcomers like Damkov. Inside Damkov’s quarters, he prepares imported coffee and engages in flirtatious conversation with Galila, reminiscing about his past horse-breeding work with his cousin in Bulgaria before their respective migrations.
Newcomers Seeking Belonging
Shifting to a collective perspective, the narrator juxtaposes the original kibbutzniks with newer members like Damkov, who strive for inclusion and companionship. Beyond the kibbutz boundaries, the trapped jackal cub struggles, while nearby, a pack of jackals gathers, experiencing a range of emotions before dispersing into the night.
Art and Revelation
In Damkov’s room, Galila indulges in the artists’ supplies, her brush dancing across the canvas. An unspoken tension escalates, and in a moment of tumultuous emotion, Galila finds herself on the floor amid the scattered supplies. Damkov, in a fervent whisper, reveals a secret he has long harbored—claiming to be Galila’s father from an affair with her mother, Tanya. Initially incredulous, Galila points to her blond hair in disbelief, a detail emphasized throughout the story. Yet, she eventually concedes to Damkov's claim.
Cycles and Continuity
The story concludes with the dawn, mirroring its opening as the land transitions from summer to fall. The narrative reflects on the perpetual cycles of nature and time, underscoring the eternal rhythms that bind the characters and their environment.
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