“The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman

“The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman, was first published in 1881 as part of his collection Leaves of Grass. This poem exemplifies Whitman’s distinctive free verse style and showcases his poetic mastery through its exploration of the eagle’s flight as a metaphor for human experience. The poem’s imagery and symbolism evoke themes of liberation, joy, and the pursuit of excellence, all of which are quintessential to Whitman’s poetic vision. Through its rich language and evocative descriptions, “The Dalliance of The Eagles” demonstrates Whitman’s innovative and iconic contribution to American poetry.

Text: “The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman

Annotations: “The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman

Line	Annotation
Skirting the river road, (my forenoon walk, my rest,)	The speaker is describing their leisurely walk along the river road during the morning, perhaps as a form of relaxation.
Skyward in air a sudden muffled sound, the dalliance of the eagles,	Suddenly, there is a soft, indistinct noise in the air, signaling the interaction or playfulness of eagles.
The rushing amorous contact high in space together,	The eagles engage in a swift and affectionate encounter while soaring through the sky.
The clinching interlocking claws, a living, fierce, gyrating wheel,	The eagles grasp each other’s claws tightly, forming a dynamic and intense spinning motion.
Four beating wings, two beaks, a swirling mass tight grappling,	Describing the physical entanglement of the eagles as they whirl through the air, with their wings flapping and beaks engaged.
In tumbling turning clustering loops, straight downward falling,	The eagles spiral downwards in a chaotic but coordinated motion.
Till o’er the river pois’d, the twain yet one, a moment’s lull,	They pause momentarily, suspended over the river, still connected and unified as a single entity.
A motionless still balance in the air, then parting, talons loosing,	They achieve a moment of tranquil equilibrium before separating, releasing their grip on each other’s talons.
Upward again on slow-firm pinions slanting, their separate diverse flight,	They ascend once more, each following their own distinct path through the air.
She hers, he his, pursuing.	The poem ends by noting that each eagle follows its own course, implying independence and individuality.

Literary and Poetic Devices: “The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman

1. Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds, e.g., “Skyward in air a sudden muffled sound” (s-s-s).
2. Amplification: Emphasizing a point by repeating or expanding on it, e.g., describing the eagles’ flight in detail.
3. Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds, e.g., “the dalliance of the eagles” (e-e).
4. Enjambment: A sentence or phrase continuing into the next line without punctuation, e.g., “The rushing amorous contact high in space together, / The clinching interlocking claws…”
5. Free Verse: A poem that doesn’t follow a specific rhyme or meter, e.g., the entire poem.
6. Gyration: A whirling or rotating motion, e.g., “a living, fierce, gyrating wheel”.
7. Imagery: Vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses, e.g., “Four beating wings, two beaks, a swirling mass tight grappling”.
8. Interlocking: Fitting together like pieces of a puzzle, e.g., “The clinching interlocking claws”.
9. Juxtaposition: Placing two or more elements side by side for comparison, e.g., “She hers, he his, pursuing”.
10. Kinetic Imagery: Describing movement or action, e.g., “Four beating wings…tumbling turning clustering loops”.
11. Metaphor: Comparing two unlike things without “like” or “as”, e.g., “a living, fierce, gyrating wheel”.
12. Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds, e.g., “muffled sound”.
13. Personification: Attributing human qualities to non-human entities, e.g., “the dalliance of the eagles”.
14. Repetition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis, e.g., “upward” and “separate diverse flight”.
15. Simile: Comparing two unlike things using “like” or “as”, e.g., none in this poem (Whitman rarely used similes).
16. Symbolism: Using objects to represent abstract ideas, e.g., eagles symbolizing freedom and power.
17. Synecdoche: Using a part of something to represent the whole, e.g., “two beaks” for the eagles themselves.
18. Tautology: Repeating the same idea using different words, e.g., “a moment’s lull, / A motionless still balance”.
19. Transitional Phrases: Words or phrases connecting ideas or lines, e.g., “Till o’er the river pois’d…then parting”.
20. Vivid Description: Using detailed language to create a sensory experience, e.g., “a swirling mass tight grappling”.

Themes: “The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman

• Theme 1: Freedom and Liberation
• The poem celebrates the freedom and liberation of the eagles in flight, symbolizing the human desire for unencumbered expression and joy. Whitman writes, “Skyward in air a sudden muffled sound, the dalliance of the eagles” (lines 2-3), emphasizing the eagles’ effortless soaring and playful interaction. The image of the eagles’ “Four beating wings, two beaks, a swirling mass tight grappling” (line 5) conveys a sense of unbridled energy and exhilaration, reflecting Whitman’s own poetic vision of unfettered human potential.
• Theme 2: Union and Intimacy
• The poem explores the theme of union and intimacy through the eagles’ “dalliance” (line 3), a term suggesting playful, affectionate interaction. Whitman describes the eagles’ “rushing amorous contact high in space together” (line 4), highlighting their passionate and tender connection. The image of the eagles’ “clinching interlocking claws” (line 5) symbolizes a deep, inseparable bond, echoing Whitman’s own poetry of comradeship and democratic unity.
• Theme 3: Balance and Harmony
• The poem showcases the eagles’ remarkable balance and harmony in flight, reflecting Whitman’s emphasis on the beauty of natural processes. The lines “Till o’er the river pois’d, the twain yet one, a moment’s lull, / A motionless still balance in the air” (lines 7-8) illustrate the eagles’ perfect equilibrium, suspended in mid-air. This image represents the poet’s vision of a harmonious universe, where opposing forces are reconciled in a dynamic balance.
• Theme 4: Separation and Individuality
• The poem also touches on the theme of separation and individuality, as the eagles eventually part ways, each pursuing their own path. Whitman writes, “Upward again on slow-firm pinions slanting, their separate diverse flight, / She hers, he his, pursuing” (lines 9-10). This image acknowledges the necessity of individuality and separate journeys, even in the midst of union and intimacy. The poem thus presents a nuanced exploration of human relationships, recognizing both the beauty of connection and the importance of personal autonomy.

Literary Theories and “The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman

Literary Theory	Explanation	Examples and References from the Poem
Formalism	Formalism focuses on the text itself, analyzing its structure, form, language, and style without considering external factors.	Whitman’s use of vivid imagery, such as “Skyward in air a sudden muffled sound” and “Four beating wings, two beaks, a swirling mass tight grappling,” showcases his attention to detail and the sensory experience within the poem. The rhythmic flow and repetition of sounds in phrases like “a living, fierce, gyrating wheel” contribute to the poem’s musicality and impact.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Psychoanalytic criticism explores characters, symbols, and themes in literature through the lens of Freudian psychology, focusing on unconscious desires, motivations, and conflicts.	The eagles’ “amorous contact” and “clinching interlocking claws” can symbolize primal instincts and desires for connection or dominance. The poem’s imagery of balance and separation may reflect psychological tensions between unity and individuality.
Ecocriticism	Ecocriticism examines literature’s portrayal of nature and the environment, as well as its relationship with human society and culture.	Whitman’s depiction of the eagles’ natural behavior, such as their aerial acrobatics and pursuit of flight, celebrates the beauty and vitality of the natural world. The setting of the river road and the eagles’ interaction with the landscape highlight the interconnectedness between humans and the environment.
New Criticism	New Criticism emphasizes close reading of the text to uncover multiple layers of meaning, focusing on paradoxes, ambiguities, and tensions within the work.	The poem’s exploration of the eagles’ union and separation encapsulates paradoxical themes of unity and individuality. The tension between motion and stillness, as seen in the eagles’ “moment’s lull” and subsequent flight, invites readers to contemplate the transient nature of existence.
Postcolonial Criticism	Postcolonial criticism examines literature in the context of colonialism, imperialism, and cultural hegemony, exploring themes of power, identity, and resistance.	While “The Dalliance of The Eagles” may not explicitly address colonialism, it can be interpreted as a metaphor for power dynamics and struggles for dominance. The eagles’ interactions may symbolize broader social or political conflicts, inviting readers to consider themes of control and liberation.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements: “The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Nature and Symbolism	How does Whitman use the eagles as symbols in the poem, and what do they represent?	In “The Dalliance of The Eagles,” Whitman utilizes the eagles as symbols of freedom, power, and primal instincts, showcasing the dynamic relationship between humans and the natural world.
Movement and Stillness	What is the significance of the contrast between movement and stillness in the poem?	Through the juxtaposition of tumbling motion and momentary lulls, Whitman highlights the fleeting nature of existence and the eternal balance between action and tranquility.
Unity and Individuality	How does Whitman explore the themes of unity and individuality in the eagles’ interaction?	“The Dalliance of The Eagles” examines the paradoxical nature of unity and individuality, portraying the eagles as both separate entities and a unified whole, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of identity and relationships.
Power Dynamics and Control	What do the eagles’ actions and behaviors reveal about power dynamics and control in the poem?	Whitman’s portrayal of the eagles’ fierce yet graceful movements illustrates themes of dominance, submission, and the struggle for control, reflecting broader societal tensions and power struggles.

Short Questions/Answers about “The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman

• How does Whitman use imagery and symbolism to convey the themes of freedom and unity in the poem?
  Whitman employs vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the themes of freedom and unity, as seen in the lines “Skyward in air a sudden muffled sound, the dalliance of the eagles” and “Four beating wings, two beaks, a swirling mass tight grappling”. The eagles’ flight represents freedom, while their entwined claws symbolize unity and the interconnectedness of individuals. The image of the eagles’ “swirling mass” also suggests a dynamic, harmonious balance between individuality and unity.
• How does the poem’s use of enjambment and caesura contribute to its musicality and overall effect?
  The poem’s use of enjambment and caesura creates a sense of fluidity and continuity, mirroring the eagles’ soaring flight. Enjambment, as seen in lines 2-3 (“Skyward in air a sudden muffled sound, the dalliance of the eagles, / The rushing amorous contact high in space together”), allows the reader to move seamlessly between ideas, while caesura, as in line 5 (“Four beating wings, two beaks, a swirling mass tight grappling”), creates a sense of pause and emphasis. This musicality enhances the poem’s emotional impact and reinforces its themes of freedom and unity.
• What role does the speaker’s perspective play in shaping the poem’s meaning and tone?
  The speaker’s perspective, as an observer of the eagles’ mating, creates a sense of detachment and objectivity, allowing the reader to view the scene from a distance. This perspective also enables the speaker to analyze and interpret the eagles’ behavior, as seen in lines 7-8 (“Till o’er the river pois’d, the twain yet one, a moment’s lull, / A motionless still balance in the air”). The speaker’s observational tone contributes to the poem’s analytical and intellectual tone, while also highlighting the beauty and significance of the eagles’ union.
• How does the poem’s use of metaphor and allegory contribute to its exploration of human relationships and individuality?
  The poem’s use of metaphor and allegory allows Whitman to explore complex aspects of human relationships and individuality. The eagles’ mating is an allegory for human relationships, with the birds’ entwined claws symbolizing the interconnectedness of individuals. The metaphor of the eagles’ flight also represents the freedom and autonomy that individuals seek in their relationships. Through this metaphorical language, Whitman highlights the tension between individuality and unity, suggesting that true unity can only be achieved by embracing and respecting individual differences.

Literary Works Similar to “The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman

1. “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes – Similar to Whitman’s poem, this work explores the perspective of a bird (a hawk in this case) and delves into themes of power, control, and dominance in the natural world.
2. “The Windhover” by Gerard Manley Hopkins – Like Whitman’s poem, “The Windhover” celebrates the grace and majesty of a bird (a kestrel), portraying its flight with vivid imagery and intricate language.
3. “The Eagle” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson – This poem, akin to Whitman’s work, depicts the solitary and regal figure of an eagle soaring high above the landscape, embodying themes of freedom, nobility, and ambition.
4. “The Albatross” by Kate Bass – Similar to Whitman’s exploration of avian symbolism, “The Albatross” uses the bird as a metaphor for burdens and responsibilities, reflecting on the complexities of existence.
5. “The Swan” by Rainer Maria Rilke – Like Whitman’s poem, “The Swan” portrays the beauty and grace of a bird (a swan in this case), reflecting on themes of transcendence, transformation, and the interconnectedness of life.

Suggested Readings for Further Analysis of “The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman

Books:

• Whitman, Walt. Leaves of Grass. Edited by Harold W. Blodgett and Sculley Bradley, Norton, 2002.

Articles:

• Kateb, George. “Walt Whitman and the culture of democracy.” Political Theory 18.4 (1990): 545-571.
• Borges, Jorge Luis. “Walt Whitman: Man and Myth.” Critical Inquiry 1.4 (1975): 707-718.
• Herrmann, Steven B. “Walt Whitman and the homoerotic imagination.” Jung Journal 1.2 (2007): 16-47.

Web Links:

• Poetry Foundation. “Walt Whitman.” Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/walt-whitman.
• Walt Whitman Archive. “The Dalliance of The Eagles.” Walt Whitman Archive, www.whitmanarchive.org/published/LG/1871/poems/205.

Representative Quotations from “The Dalliance of The Eagles” by Walt Whitman

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“Skyward in air a sudden muffled sound, the dalliance of the eagles”	Lines 2-3	The poem introduces the central image of the eagles’ mating, symbolizing freedom and unity. The “sudden muffled sound” suggests a moment of intensity and passion.
“The clinching interlocking claws, a living, fierce, gyrating wheel”	Line 5	The eagles’ entwined claws represent the interconnectedness of individuals in a relationship. The “gyrating wheel” metaphor suggests a dynamic, harmonious balance between unity and individuality.
“Four beating wings, two beaks, a swirling mass tight grappling”	Line 6	The image emphasizes the eagles’ passionate and intense union, with the “swirling mass” suggesting a blending of individual identities.
“Till o’er the river pois’d, the twain yet one, a moment’s lull”	Line 8	The poem highlights the moment of perfect balance and unity between the eagles, suspended in mid-air.
“She hers, he his, pursuing”	Line 10	The final line emphasizes the individuality and autonomy of the eagles, even in the midst of union. The use of “hers” and “his” suggests a sense of possession and personal identity.