Introduction to “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”
“The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting” by Tennyson and Hughes respectively present the same theme of power and strength a bird of prey is asserting. However, whereas a third-person observer sees the eagle, the hawk is engaged in describing his power in the form of a dramatic monologue. It is also that whereas “The Eagle” is an epitome of brevity, presenting the setting in figurative language, “Hawk Roosting” presents the hawk’s situation through his own language, which is direct and without a lot of stylistic devices. As compared to the former, the latter has six stanzas, with each stanza having four lines but without a specific metrical pattern. However, the theme of strength and power and its assertion is the central point of both poems. For clarifying the theme of power and strength through the use of language, and style “The Eagle” surpasses “Hawk Roosting”. Yet, both poems, “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”, present birds of prey in different settings, where the former shows an eagle’s power through the eyes of an observer, highlighting his majestic posture, and the latter presents a hawk engaged in a direct monologue, demonstrating his arrogance and megalomania.
Language in “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”
Both poems, “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”, have certain similarities and differences in terms of language. The language in “The Eagle” is highly figurative and condensed. Its phonological and syntactic quality has intensified the theme of power and strength, shedding off worse qualities associated with them such as arrogance and pride. It is because the use of sounds such as /k/ and then assonance coupled with the position of adverbials in the beginning of each line has given a description of a great muscular strength. The use of personification of “crooked hands” and then again “he stands” alleviates his level from that of the brutality of a bird of prey to a majestic bird, having greater strength and power. The simile of a thunderbolt in the last line demonstrates his speed, which coupled with strength further epitomizes his status. However, the language of “Hawk Roosting” is simple and direct as is used in a monologue. Although Ted Hughes has written it in free verse to bring flow, he has also used other devices such as alliteration of /k/ sound, then enjambment in lines 6 and 7, but these techniques could not conceal the brutality and bloodthirstiness in his monologue. Also, the use of adverbials and verbs, iambic tetrameter, and strict rhyme scheme of AAAABBB in only two stanzas of “The Eagle” has further shed light on the majestic posture of the eagle. But, the use of free verse, the absence of any regular metrical pattern, and the rhyme scheme have heightened the sense of chaotic presentation of power rather than the order that exists in “The Eagle.”
Bird in “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”
Even in the presentation of the bird, both poems, “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”, different but Tennyson excels. Whereas Hughes has presented his hawk at the top of a tree in the woods, with his eyes closed, Tennyson has given his eagle a better view of the world by placing him very high “Close to the sun in lonely lands” ( The Eagle 2) – a use of a typical hyperbole to increase the majestic nature and sense of his reach. The eagle has a better view from such a height from where he could not only see the whole world but also view the ripples on the sea. His speed is shown as fast as a bolt when he falls to hit on his prey. Presented in a third-person view by an observer, the opinion increases the greatness of the power of the eagle. However, the hawk’s view is limited to woods from where he could only see what flies above the woods and nothing else. Whereas the eagle has a full expense of the sea and “lands” (The Eagle 2) to see and keep a strict watch to fall like a thunderbolt, the hawk has “The convenience of the high trees” (Hawk Roosting 5) which limits his views as compared to the eagle. His limited view has also limited his opinion and so his manners as he says, “My manners are tearing off heads” (Hawk Roosting 16) but as compared to him the view of the eagle is the whole world. Hence, he limits this to his fall and not to tearing bodies or heads. The difference in setting is shown through the difference in the use of power through the difference of view.
Tone in “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”
Like other aspects, poems“The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting” are also different in tone. “The Eagle” by Hughes is presented in a third-person tone in a heightened manner. It is presented like a documentary in which the poet sees the bird and describes what he feels about him. This third-person manner of presentation highlights the majestic posture of the eagle how he sits atop the world near the sun, and how he views the world beneath him. However, the hawk is engaged in a monologue, telling his interlocutors where he sits, and what he can do from such a height. His view is limited and the language is direct which suits the narrative of the speaker. The speaker in “Hawk Roosting” is the hawk himself. Therefore, the manner of presentation of the same theme of power and strength but through the lens of different persons sets both poems apart. Whereas the third-person observer highlights grandeur in power, the first-person monolog seems to be a harangue of the megalomaniac bird that sees only himself in the vast expanse of the woods.
Conclusion
In short, both poems “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting” present birds of prey, demonstrating their power and strength, but from different perspectives. Whereas the eagle is shown in grandeur and benign power, the hawk has presented himself with his full ferocity and bloodthirstiness. The major difference lies not only in the figurative language but also in style and metrical pattern, where “The Eagle” shows mastery in brevity, and “Hawk Roosting” demonstrates the grip on direct free verse. The language, actually, depends on the speaker, where one is the poet himself, who acts as an observer, whereas in the case of the hawk, Ted Hughes puts his words in the hawk’s mouth to bring flow to the language. The language, the style, the manner of presentation, and above all the presentation have made “The Eagle” excel “Hawk Roosting” in presenting the same bird of prey in a different way. Therefore, it can be said that though terse and brief “The Eagle” is a lot better in every way than “Hawk Roosting.”
Work Cited
- Hughes, Ted. “Hawk Roosting.” “An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Writing”. Ed. Kennedy X. J. & Dana Gioia. 3rd ed. Vol. 10. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 1960. Print.
- Alfred, Lord Tennyson. “The Eagle”. “An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Writing”. Ed. Kennedy X. J. & Dana Gioia. 3rd ed. Vol. 10. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 1851. Print.
Relevant Questions about “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”: Analysis of Power and Strength
- How do the poets, Alfred Lord Tennyson in “The Eagle” and Ted Hughes in “Hawk Roosting,” use imagery and symbolism to convey the idea of power and strength in their respective poems? What specific words or phrases in “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting” contribute to this portrayal of power and strength?
- In “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting,” how do the poets compare and contrast the perspectives of power and strength? While both poems depict birds of prey, do “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting” present these qualities in similar or different ways? How does the choice of birds (eagle vs. hawk) impact the portrayal of power and strength in these poems?
- How do the structural elements of “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting,” such as rhyme scheme, meter, and stanza organization, contribute to the overall themes of power and strength in the poems? Do Alfred Lord Tennyson and Ted Hughes use any poetic devices or techniques in “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting” to enhance the reader’s understanding of these qualities in the natural world?
