Scene 12

Louisiana Squatter Pursued by Wolves; Humorous Scene

Dickeson may have intended for this humorous scene to lighten the mood of his audience following the violence and tragedy of the previous section. In this image, a ravenous pack of wolves pursues a terrified squatter. Though he carries an axe, he chooses to run to his cabin rather than defend himself. In the 19th century, the term squatter referred to settlers who took possession of unclaimed lands, in hopes that they might one day purchase them from the government.