Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Elinor Wylie’s poem "The Eagle and the Mole" is a contemplative exploration of individuality, solitude, and the pursuit of purity in a world often tainted by conformity and corruption. Through the contrasting imagery of the eagle and the mole, Wylie delves into themes of transcendence, introspection, and the tension between isolation and engagement with the world.

The poem begins with a stark admonition to "AVOID the reeking herd, / Shun the polluted flock," setting a tone of caution against the dangers of conformity and collective influence. The imagery of the "reeking herd" and "polluted flock" conveys a sense of contamination and moral decay, suggesting that the collective masses can stifle individuality and foster negativity. Wylie immediately introduces the eagle as a symbol of stoic independence, urging the reader to "Live like that stoic bird / The eagle of the rock." The eagle is emblematic of strength, solitude, and spiritual elevation, representing a life lived above the fray of societal pressures.

Wylie contrasts the "huddled warmth of crowds," which she associates with the genesis of hate, with the eagle's solitary existence "above the clouds," where he maintains his "cliff inviolate." This juxtaposition highlights the tension between the comfort of the familiar and the freedom found in isolation. The eagle's ability to "sail above the storm" and "stare into the sun" suggests a transcendence over worldly troubles and an unwavering pursuit of truth and enlightenment. The eagle’s lofty perspective offers clarity and insight, unclouded by the distractions and biases of the collective.

However, Wylie acknowledges that not everyone possesses the eagle's fortitude. For those who cannot follow "the eagle's track," she advises avoiding "the lathered pack" and turning "from the steaming sheep." This imagery reinforces the idea of the masses as frenetic and thoughtless, in contrast to the deliberate and contemplative path of the eagle. Wylie presents an alternative model in the form of the mole, suggesting that if one cannot ascend like the eagle, they should "live like the velvet mole" and "go burrow underground."

The mole represents introspection and the pursuit of inner purity, away from the distractions and corruptions of the external world. By advocating for a life "underground," Wylie suggests that true clarity and understanding can be found in solitude and introspection, engaging with the fundamental elements of nature and existence. The mole's interaction "with roots of trees and stones, / With rivers at their source, / And disembodied bones" implies a deeper connection with the natural and the eternal, transcending the superficial concerns of society.

In terms of form, Wylie employs a straightforward and instructive tone, mirroring the clarity and directness of her message. The poem's regular rhyme scheme and rhythmic cadence reinforce the contrasts between the eagle's soaring flight and the mole's subterranean journey, creating a sense of balance between the two paths.

"The Eagle and the Mole" serves as a meditation on the pursuit of individuality and purity in a world that often values conformity and superficiality. Through the powerful imagery of the eagle and the mole, Elinor Wylie invites readers to reflect on their own paths, encouraging them to seek higher truths or deeper understanding, whether through transcendence or introspection. The poem's exploration of solitude and self-discovery highlights the complexity of the human experience, urging readers to consider the value of stepping beyond the collective to find personal clarity and authenticity.

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