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The eagle

The poem 'Eagle' by Alfred Lord Tennyson vividly portrays the power and majesty of an eagle, capturing a moment of its solitary existence high above the sea. Through various literary techniques such as imagery, personification, and symbolism, Tennyson emphasizes the eagle's dominance in nature and its fierce predatory nature. The poem invites readers to appreciate the grandeur and beauty of the eagle as a symbol of strength and freedom.

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5 views3 pages

The eagle

The poem 'Eagle' by Alfred Lord Tennyson vividly portrays the power and majesty of an eagle, capturing a moment of its solitary existence high above the sea. Through various literary techniques such as imagery, personification, and symbolism, Tennyson emphasizes the eagle's dominance in nature and its fierce predatory nature. The poem invites readers to appreciate the grandeur and beauty of the eagle as a symbol of strength and freedom.

Uploaded by

eleeshafonseka11
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Eagle ( A fragment )

A fragment
The poem captures a single moment or image rather than telling a complete story.

In the poem, Tennyson describes the eagle in a very vivid way, focusing on its power and
majesty. Instead of having a beginning, middle, and end like a traditional story, the poem
presents snapshots of the eagle in action. This means it doesn't develop a plot or character
relationships—it's more about the feelings and images associated with the eagle.

The fragmentary nature allows the reader to feel the intensity and beauty of the eagle without
needing a full narrative. It emphasizes the moment rather than telling a complete tale, which can
create a strong emotional impact. So, in essence, it's called a fragment because it provides a
powerful image or feeling rather than a full story.

About the author

Alfred Lord Tennyson


- Born on August 6, 1809, in Somersby, Lincolnshire, England.
- Became a leading poet of the Victorian era.
- Appointed Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom in 1850.
- Known for themes of nature, love, loss, and time.
- Famous works include "The Charge of the Light Brigade," "In Memoriam," and "The Lady of
Shalott."
- Renowned for his rhythm, imagery, and emotional depth.
- Died on October 6, 1892.

Techniques used in the poem

1. "He clasps the crag with crooked hands;"


- Imagery: The visual of the eagle gripping the rock creates a strong image of strength and
power.
- Personification: The eagle is given human-like qualities, emphasizing its dominance in
nature.

2. "Close to the sun in lonely lands,"


- Symbolism: The sun often symbolizes power and freedom, suggesting the eagle's lofty
position in life.
- Alliteration: The repetition of the 'l' sound in "lonely lands" adds a lyrical quality to the line.
3. "Ring'd with the azure world, he stands."
- Color Imagery: "Azure" evokes a clear blue sky, enhancing the sense of height and clarity.
- Metaphor: The eagle is surrounded by the vastness of the sky, emphasizing its isolation and
majesty.

4. "The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls;"


- Personification: The sea is described as "crawling," giving it a slow, almost helpless quality
compared to the eagle's power.
- Contrast: The eagle's strength contrasts with the sea's perceived weakness, highlighting its
dominance.

5. "He watches from his mountain walls,"


- Imagery: This line reinforces the idea of the eagle as a guardian or overseer of its territory.
- Symbolism: "Mountain walls" suggest stability and strength, further enhancing the eagle's
powerful image.

6. "And like a thunderbolt he falls."


- Simile: Comparing the eagle to a "thunderbolt" suggests suddenness and power, emphasizing
its fierce hunting ability.
- Onomatopoeia: The word "falls" creates a sense of action and immediacy, drawing the reader
into the moment.

Summary:
The poem "Eagle" describes the majestic and powerful figure of an eagle perched high on a crag,
overlooking its domain. The eagle is depicted as a solitary creature, close to the sun and
surrounded by the vastness of the sky. It watches the sea below, which is described as crawling,
emphasizing the eagle's dominance in its environment. The poem concludes with the eagle's
swift descent, likening it to a thunderbolt, showcasing its strength and predatory nature.

Analysis:
Tennyson employs various literary techniques to convey the themes of power, majesty, and
isolation. The imagery throughout the poem creates a vivid picture of the eagle's environment,
highlighting its elevated position in nature. The use of personification, particularly in describing
the sea as "crawling," contrasts the eagle's strength with the perceived weakness of its
surroundings.
Symbolism plays a significant role as well; the eagle represents freedom and strength, while the
sun symbolizes power and aspiration. The simile comparing the eagle's fall to a "thunderbolt"
emphasizes its ferocity and suddenness, reinforcing its role as a formidable predator.

Overall, Tennyson's "Eagle" captures the essence of the eagle as a symbol of nature's grandeur
and the fierce beauty of the wild, inviting readers to appreciate the power and majesty of this
magnificent bird.

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