The Eagle (poem)

"The Eagle" is a short poem by Lord Alfred Tennyson and was first published in 1851, when it was added to the seventh edition of Tennyson’s Poems, which had itself been published first in 1842. The poem describes how an eagle can fly so high and dive so fast. It emphasizes the power and majesty of the eagle and compares the bird of prey to its environment.

It is important to note that the poem was not completed. Lord Alfred Tennyson did this in order to allow the reader make up his or her own opinion and viewpoint. This idea was quite a novel idea at the time. Nevertheless, many interpretations of the poem exist today.

SomeWho|date=July 2007 believe that "The Eagle" is purely just a literal description of an eagle that scoops up its prey. OthersWho|date=July 2007 believe that the underlying message of the poem is symbolic in nature.

Possible interpretations

The eagle, at its great height, may be a representation of a man at the peak of his life, clinging on desperately. Certain aspects of the poem support this viewpoint. Other viewpoints include the eagle being the guardian of the gates of saint Peter, or even God.

In this poem the poet has shown the majestic nature of the Eagle.Sun symbolizes power.The Eagle is nearer to sun.It shows that Eagle is also a symbol of power.It is surrounded by the colorful world.The sea is also shown crawling beneath the power of the Eagle.The wrinkles are the waves and they show that the sea is helpless.The Eagle concentrates on its prey from the mountain.Then it falls down in a flash-like a thunderbolt.