1. The futility of human conflicts: The story highlights how petty and meaningless human disputes can be when juxtaposed against the backdrop of nature and the forces of the universe. The two families, the Ulrichs and the von Gradwitzes, are engaged in a longstanding feud over a small piece of land, a conflict that seems trivial and inconsequential in the face of the vast forest surrounding them.
2. The transience of human life: Through the characters' near-death experience, Saki emphasizes the fragility and temporality of human existence. The two men, who have spent years consumed by their feud, are brought together by a chance accident and forced to confront the reality of their own mortality. This moment of introspection leads them to recognize the absurdity of their conflict.
3. The interconnectedness of all life: The story suggests that all living things are interconnected and interdependent. The characters find themselves trapped in a symbiotic embrace with nature, unable to escape the web of life that binds them. The presence of the wolves and the eerie sense of the forest as a living, malevolent entity serves as a reminder that humans are but a small part of a larger, intricate ecosystem.
4. The transformative power of adversity: The story's climax, where the two men experience a moment of reconciliation and understanding, shows that even in the most dire situations, moments of adversity can bring about positive change. The characters transcend their animosity and forge a bond of compassion, which ultimately leads to their salvation.
By exploring these themes, Saki invites readers to reflect on the futility of conflict, the value of life, the interdependence of all living beings, and the potential for growth and transformation even in the face of adversity.