In the story "Shamdev: The Wolf Boy," Bruce Chatwin establishes an argument that the story of the main character, Pascal, is true. However, he makes statements in several parts of the story to the contrary. Therefore, the author establishes an argument that affirms his belief of Pascal's story. However, he points out contradictions in the story that offset his affirmation of belief.

Chatwin begins this even before the story begins. In his introduction, he lists a number of famous "wolf children" from history and fiction. In this list he includes the twins Romulus and Remus of Roman myth, and Mowgli from the Jungle Book by Kipling (233). He also speaks of several stories about humans found in the wild after years of isolation, coexisting with animals. Chatwin states that none the cases has been "proved beyond doubt,." However, in the case of Pascal, he believes that his situation "will...