Introduction: “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”
“The Eagle” by Tennyson and “Hawk Roosting” by Hughes 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 uses of stylistic devices. As compared to the former, the latter has six stanzas, with each stanza having four lines but not a particular metrical pattern. However, the theme of strength and power and its assertion is the central point of both the poems. For clarifying the theme of power and strength through the use of language, and style “The Eagle” surpasses “Hawk Roosting”. However, both the poems present a bird of prey in a different setting, where the former shows an eagle’s power through the eyes of an observer, highlighting his majestic posture, the latter presents a hawk engaged in a direct monologue, demonstrating his arrogance and megalomania.
Language in “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”
The language in “The Eagle” is highly figurative and condensed. Its phonological and syntactic qualities intensify the theme of power and strength, shedding off worse qualities associated with them, such as arrogance and pride. This effect is achieved through the use of sounds such as the “k” sound and assonance, coupled with the strategic placement of adverbials at the beginning of each line, giving the description greater muscular strength. The personification of “crooked hands” and “he stands” elevates the eagle from the brutality of a bird of prey to a majestic creature with greater strength and power. The simile of a thunderbolt in the last line illustrates the eagle’s speed, which, when coupled with strength, further epitomizes its status.
On the other hand, the language of “Hawk Roosting” is simple and direct, presented in a monologue. Although Ted Hughes wrote it in free verse to maintain flow, he also employed other devices such as the alliteration of the “k” sound and enjambment in lines 6 and 7. However, these techniques could not conceal the brutality and bloodthirstiness in the hawk’s monologue. Additionally, the use of adverbials, verbs, iambic tetrameter, and a strict rhyme scheme (aaaabbb) in only two stanzas of “The Eagle” sheds further light on the majestic posture of the eagle. In contrast, the use of free verse, the absence of a regular metrical pattern, and the lack of a rhyme scheme in “Hawk Roosting” heighten the sense of a chaotic presentation of power, in contrast to the order found in “The Eagle.”
Bird in “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”
Even in the portrayal of the birds, Tennyson has excelled. While Hughes presents his hawk at the top of a tree in the woods, with its eyes closed, Tennyson provides his eagle with a superior view of the world by placing it very high, “Close to the sun in lonely lands” (The Eagle 2) – a deliberate use of hyperbole to enhance the majestic nature and the expansive reach of the eagle. The eagle benefits from this height, allowing it not only to survey the entire world but also to observe the ripples on the sea. The eagle’s speed is depicted as swift as a bolt when it descends to strike its prey. Presented in a third-person view by an observer, this perspective enhances the magnitude of the eagle’s power.
On the contrary, the hawk’s view is confined to a wood, limiting its sight to what flies above the trees and nothing more. While the eagle has an extensive view of the sea and “lands” (The Eagle 2), enabling it to keep a vigilant watch and strike like a thunderbolt, the hawk’s vision is constrained to the “convenience of the high trees” (Hawk Roosting 5), restricting its observations compared to the eagle. The hawk’s limited perspective also constrains its understanding and behavior, as evident in the statement, “My manners are tearing off heads” (Hawk Roosting 16). In contrast, the eagle’s view encompasses the entire world, and its actions are limited to its descent, not involving the tearing of bodies or heads. The distinction in setting is emphasized through the varying use of power influenced by the difference in perspective.
Speaker in “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”
“The Eagle” by Hughes is presented in a third-person tone, elevated in manner, resembling a documentary in which the poet observes the bird and conveys his impressions. This third-person presentation accentuates the majestic posture of the eagle as it perches atop the world near the sun, offering insights into how it views the world beneath. In contrast, “Hawk Roosting” features the hawk engaging in a monologue, sharing its perspective on where it sits and what it can accomplish from such a height. The hawk’s view is limited, and its language is direct, aligning with the narrative style of the speaker. In “Hawk Roosting,” the speaker is the hawk itself. Consequently, the difference in the manner of presentation, even though both poems explore the theme of power and strength, sets them apart. The third-person observer in “The Eagle” emphasizes grandeur in power, while the first-person narrative in “Hawk Roosting” appears to be a self-centered proclamation from a megalomaniac bird that sees only itself in the vast expanse of the woods.
Conclusion: “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”
In short, both poems depict a bird of prey showcasing power and strength, but they do so from different perspectives. While the eagle is portrayed with grandeur and benevolent power, the hawk presents itself in full ferocity and bloodthirstiness. The significant contrast extends beyond figurative language to encompass style and metrical patterns, with “The Eagle” showcasing mastery in brevity, while “Hawk Roosting” exhibits command over direct free verse.
The choice of language is closely tied to the speaker, with the poet acting as an observer in “The Eagle,” and Ted Hughes placing his words in the hawk’s mouth to create flow in “Hawk Roosting.” Ultimately, the language, style, manner of presentation, and the unique perspective make “The Eagle” excel over “Hawk Roosting” in portraying the same bird of prey. Therefore, it can be concluded that although terse and brief, “The Eagle” surpasses “Hawk Roosting” in every aspect, offering a more compelling portrayal of the bird.
Work Cited: “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting”
- 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”
- Theme and Imagery:
- How do the themes of power and dominance manifest in both “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting,” and how does Ted Hughes use vivid imagery to convey the majesty and authority of these birds of prey?
- Narrative Perspective:
- Compare and contrast the narrative perspectives in “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting.” How does the choice of a first-person perspective in “Hawk Roosting” contribute to the portrayal of the hawk’s mindset and its perception of the world, while the third-person perspective in “The Eagle” provides a more distant observation?
- Natural World and Human Interaction:
- In what ways do “The Eagle” and “Hawk Roosting” explore the relationship between the natural world and human intervention? Consider how the poems present the birds as symbols of both autonomy and captivity, and examine any commentary on the impact of human presence on the lives of these powerful creatures.
