The Fragility of Strength: When Allies Turn on You

In the world of ideologies and authorities, even the most powerful leader is not immune to betrayal by his own defenders if his position weakens. This image warns us against the illusion of unconditional support—when a strong figure becomes vulnerable, close allies may turn against it like loyal dogs capable of harming their master. At the heart of this metaphor is the idea that even the strongest structures are fragile; the force that inspires can turn into a dangerous weapon of self-destruction, leaving nothing but chaos behind. The call not to place blind faith in potent ideologies reminds us that one should not resort to powerful but unpredictable tools, as their reaction could be devastating. Ultimately, the metaphor serves as a cautionary signal, urging us to rethink the principles of support and leadership in times of change and uncertainty.

How can one interpret the metaphorical image "7 dogs of a wounded wolf" and what message might it carry?

The metaphorical image "7 dogs of a wounded wolf" can be understood as a warning that even the closest allies or supporters of a strong, authoritative force can turn against it in moments of vulnerability. That is, when the main figure (the wolf) is injured or weakened, it loses its ability to control its "dogs" – those who normally serve as its protection. In this situation, those who once supported the authority with all their might may begin to act to its detriment—similar to the quote stating that "of all the dogs, constantly biting 'N. Mir', one became guilty, fought back—and now bites its own." This depiction reflects an internal danger and nihilism, illustrating that even those considered loyal can strike if their leader shows weakness.

Moreover, the text’s reference to the proverb "don't call a wolf for help against dogs" underscores that employing power based on ideologically charged concepts (as with Marxism in this context) is perilous, precisely because even the most robust and inspiring images can turn into instruments of self-destruction if they become uncontrollable. In other words, it is a call not to use such a powerful but dangerous weapon (or ideology), since it is capable of wounding not only the enemy but also its bearer: "Even against hostile, malevolent dogs, do not call upon the Marxist wolf for aid; strike them with an honest stick—and do not call the wolf. Because the wolf will devour your own liver."

Thus, the image of "7 dogs of a wounded wolf" symbolizes the fragility of even the mightiest structures and warns against the illusion of unconditional support. It indicates that a leader’s weakness may lead its closest defenders to turn against it, ultimately resulting in the self-destruction of the system.

Supporting citation(s):
"The emotional shock was—settle the score for one's eternal oppression: of all the dogs, constantly biting 'N. Mir', one was at fault, fought back—and now bites its own. Seizing the situation, it seemed convenient to strike us as well! How to strike?—with Marxism, of course, the purest, most Progressive Doctrine. This was very similar to Dementyev. But at least one person in the editorial office—Tvardovsky—could have remembered and understood the proverb: don't call a wolf for help against dogs. Even against hostile, malevolent dogs, do not call upon the Marxist wolf for aid; strike them with an honest stick—and do not call the wolf. Because the wolf will devour your own liver." (source: 1342_6705.txt)

"And therefore the reasoning and tone of this shameful magazine's speech were not accidental nor were they mistaken—not long before its end." (source: 1342_6705.txt)