How Does Angela Carter Use Drug Abuse In The Company Of Wolf

In 1979, twenty-five million people were using illegal drugs. Most people wouldn’t usually associate drugs with the classic “Little Red Riding Hood” story, but Angela Carter takes a current issue in her time period and writes about it using the old children’s story. Angela Carter’s “The Company of Wolves” deals with the classic “Red Riding Hood” with one twist. Instead of a “big, bad wolf” there are multiple werewolves. There are three ways a man can become a werewolf. The ways are an ointment from the devil, being bitten by a werewolf and being born feet first. The only way to be sure if a man is a werewolf is his devastating eyes, similar to how it is possible to tell a drug addict by how sunken in their eyes are. Carter’s story reflects the battle with drug addiction between the 1960s and the 1970s.

“His matted hair streams down and she can see the lice moving in it, his skin is the color and texture of vellum and his devastating eyes as red as a wound,” (Carter). The previous quote can be used to describe some drug abusers as well. Drug abusers generally have bloodshot eyes, pale skin, and unkempt hair. A reference to drugs can be found in the subtext of Carter’s story, such as the ointment the Devil gives a man. This ointment can be considered a drug because the men have to rub it on before they become a werewolf, such as drugs do not take effect until they enter the bloodstream. Carter also references how drug abusers will do anything to get the money or drugs for their next