A Wolf Is at the Laundromat
by Jack Prelutsky
A wolf is at the Laundromat,
it’s not a wary stare-wolf,
it’s short and fat, it tips its hat,
unlike a scary glare-wolf.It combs its hair, it clips its toes,
it is a fairly rare wolf,
that’s only there to clean its clothes, it is a wash-and-wear-wolf.
Summary of A Wolf Is at the Laundromat
- The Unexpected Visitor: Jack Prelutsky’s “A Wolf Is at the Laundromat” playfully subverts our expectations of a wolf, traditionally a symbol of wildness and danger. The poem introduces a remarkably ordinary wolf, casually visiting a laundromat to wash its clothes.
- Central Idea: The poem’s central idea revolves around challenging stereotypes and embracing the unexpected. Prelutsky shows that appearances can be deceiving and that even a wolf can be gentle, polite, and focused on everyday tasks.
- A Delightful Twist: What makes this poem memorable is its humor and whimsical imagery. The contrast between the fearsome reputation of wolves and the wolf’s mundane activity creates a delightful surprise for the reader. The phrase “wash-and-wear-wolf” is a playful invention that adds to the poem’s lighthearted tone.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “A Wolf Is at the Laundromat”
Jack Prelutsky masterfully employs a variety of literary devices to create a charming and memorable poem. These devices enhance the poem’s meaning, rhythm, and overall impact.
- Assonance: Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, contributes to the poem’s musicality. Notice the repetition of the short “i” sound in the line “It combs its hair, it clips its toes.” This subtle repetition creates a pleasing echo that draws the reader’s ear.
- Alliteration: Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, adds another layer of musicality and emphasis. The repetition of the “w” sound in “a wash-and-wear-wolf” emphasizes the playful invention of the phrase.
- Consonance: Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds within words, creates a subtle but effective rhythm. Observe the repetition of the “s” and “t” sounds in “It combs its hair, it clips its toes” and the “r” sound in “a wary stare-wolf” and “scary glare-wolf.” These repetitions give the poem a sense of cohesion and flow.
- Anaphora: Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. Prelutsky uses this technique with the repeated phrase “it is” throughout the poem, emphasizing the description of the unusual wolf. For example, “it is a fairly rare wolf” and “it is a wash-and-wear-wolf.”
- Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a phrase or sentence continues from one line to the next without a pause. This creates a sense of momentum and encourages the reader to continue reading. For instance, the lines “that’s only there to clean its clothes, it is a wash-and-wear-wolf” flow seamlessly into one another, emphasizing the wolf’s ordinary task.
- Imagery: Prelutsky uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the unusual wolf. Phrases like “it’s short and fat, it tips its hat” and “it’s not a wary stare-wolf” allow the reader to visualize the scene.
- Irony: The poem’s core relies on irony – the contrast between what is expected and what is actually presented. We expect a wolf to be fierce and frightening, but this wolf is preoccupied with laundry. The line “that’s only there to clean its clothes, it is a wash-and-wear-wolf” is particularly ironic, as it subverts our expectations entirely.
- Personification: Personification, giving human qualities to non‑human things, is central to this poem. The wolf performs distinctly human actions – combing its hair, clipping its toes, and doing laundry – highlighting the theme of challenging stereotypes and embracing the unexpected.
- Symbolism: The wolf itself can be seen as a symbol of breaking down preconceived notions. It represents the idea that we should not judge others based on their appearance or reputation. The wolf’s mundane activity symbolizes that everyone, regardless of their perceived “wildness,” is capable of everyday tasks and deserves acceptance.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “A Wolf Is at the Laundromat”
Beyond literary devices, Prelutsky employs several poetic devices to enhance the poem’s musicality and impact.
- End Rhyme: The poem utilizes end rhyme, where the last words of lines rhyme, creating a pleasing musical effect. Notice the rhymes in pairs such as “Laundromat” / “hat” and “clothes” / “toes.”
- Quatrain: A quatrain is a four‑line stanza, commonly used in poetry. Both stanzas in “A Wolf Is at the Laundromat” are quatrains, providing a consistent structure to the poem.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme. This pattern of alternating rhymes contributes to the poem’s rhythm and musicality.
- Stanza: A stanza is a group of lines forming a unit within a poem. The poem consists of two stanzas, each with four lines, providing a balanced and structured form.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines offer a delightful introduction to the poem’s central themes and can be used to spark discussion about challenging stereotypes and embracing individuality.
“A wolf is at the Laundromat,
it’s not a wary stare-wolf,
it’s short and fat, it tips its hat,
unlike a scary glare-wolf.”