E. J. Pratt – The Dying Eagle
E. J. Pratt is one of Canada’s greatest narrative and symbolic poets. His poem The Dying Eagle is an allegory about a once-powerful eagle whose strength has faded with age. Pratt uses the eagle as a symbol of lost glory, fading power, dignity, resilience, and the natural cycle of life. The poem is both majestic and tragic, exploring the eagle’s final moments with deep respect.
Summary of the Poem
The poem describes an old eagle who once ruled the skies with unmatched power and authority. It had soared high above mountains, storms and forests, fearless and dominant. But now, age has weakened its wings and clouded its once-sharp vision.
The eagle attempts to fly again, driven by the memory of its glorious past. It spreads its wings and tries to rise into the sky. However, the strength that once carried it effortlessly through storms is now gone.
Struggling against the wind, the eagle realises it cannot reach the heights it once conquered. The effort drains its last remaining energy. Finally, the bird descends to the ground and lies still—its life ending with pride and dignity.
The poem closes with a solemn tone, honouring the eagle not for its death but for the greatness of its life. Pratt presents the eagle as a symbol of fallen heroes, fading empires, and the natural decline that comes even to the strongest.
Major Themes
- The Fall of Power – Even the mighty lose strength with time.
- Dignity in Death – The eagle dies honourably, refusing to surrender its pride.
- Nature’s Cycle – Birth, strength, decline and death are universal truths.
- Heroism – The eagle’s courage and spirit remain admirable despite age.
- Memory & Legacy – Past achievements continue to inspire, even after death.
- Symbolic Decline of Nations / Leaders – The poem can be read as a metaphor for fallen leaders or civilizations.
Symbols & Imagery
- The Eagle – Symbol of power, freedom, leadership, glory.
- The Sky – Ambition, greatness, limitless potential.
- Descent / Fall – Decline due to age or changing times.
- Wings – Strength and spirit, now weakened.
Poetic Devices
- Imagery – Vivid descriptions of flight, wings, sky, and struggle.
- Symbolism – The eagle as representation of ageing heroes.
- Alliteration – Reinforces rhythm and musical quality.
- Personification – The eagle is given heroic, human-like dignity.
- Elevated Tone – Courtly, majestic language to honour the eagle.
Critical Analysis
- Pratt portrays the eagle not as a failure but as a heroic figure facing decline.
- The poem celebrates strength but also acknowledges the inevitability of aging.
- The eagle becomes a metaphor for fading nations, leaders, warriors, or ideals.
- The death is not tragic but respectful—an honourable end to a great life.
- Pratt’s style blends nature poetry with philosophical reflection.
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Poet | E. J. Pratt |
| Poem | The Dying Eagle |
| Genre | Symbolic / Nature Poem |
| Central Symbol | The Eagle = power, leadership, decline |
| Main Themes | Decline, dignity, nature’s cycle, heroism |
| Tone | Solemn, respectful, reflective |
| Message | Even the greatest must face decline, but dignity remains eternal. |
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