The eagle

Definition

In 'The Parliament of Fowls,' the eagle represents authority and power, serving as a symbol of the divine order in the context of love and courtship among birds. The eagle’s role highlights the themes of love, choice, and destiny, emphasizing how these elements interact within the allegorical framework of the poem. The character embodies qualities such as strength and nobility, setting the stage for discussions about the nature of love and relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The eagle presides over the selection process for the female bird's mate, symbolizing the divine authority in matters of love.
2. As a powerful creature in the poem, the eagle represents not only strength but also wisdom in guiding the other birds in their courtship.
3. The imagery of the eagle is connected to themes of fate and destiny, reflecting how these forces influence relationships.
4. In medieval literature, eagles often symbolize nobility and high status, reinforcing the idea that love is a serious and elevated pursuit.
5. The interaction between the eagle and other birds serves as a critique of human behavior in romantic relationships, illustrating broader societal themes.

Review Questions

• How does the eagle's role in 'The Parliament of Fowls' reflect on themes of authority and choice in love?
  • The eagle acts as a figure of authority that oversees the mating choices among birds, reflecting the theme of divine intervention in love. This emphasizes that while individuals may seek romantic connections based on personal desires, there is an overarching order or fate that guides these choices. The eagle’s involvement highlights the tension between free will and predestined outcomes in matters of love.
• Discuss how the symbolism of the eagle relates to the concept of courtly love in 'The Parliament of Fowls.'
  • The symbolism of the eagle in 'The Parliament of Fowls' aligns closely with courtly love by representing an idealized view of romance. The eagle's powerful presence suggests that true love involves nobility and striving for a higher purpose. This reflects courtly love's values where admiration and respect for one’s beloved elevate the act of courtship to a noble pursuit rather than mere physical attraction.
• Evaluate how Chaucer uses the figure of the eagle to critique societal norms surrounding love and relationships in 'The Parliament of Fowls.'
  • Chaucer uses the figure of the eagle not just as a symbol of power but also as a means to critique societal norms surrounding love. By showing how the eagle guides and influences mate selection, Chaucer comments on how social hierarchies and expectations can dictate personal choices in relationships. This creates a tension between individual desires and societal pressures, prompting readers to reflect on their own experiences with love and how external forces shape them.

Related terms

Allegory: A narrative that uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper meanings, often moral, political, or spiritual.

Courtly Love: A medieval tradition that idealizes romantic love, characterized by chivalry, admiration, and the pursuit of unattainable ideals.

Personification: Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities, often used in literature to convey complex ideas through relatable figures.