Explicit information
What actions does the hawk perform in the poem?
The hawk hovers in the air, soaring and then dropping to catch its prey.
What might the hawk symbolize in terms of personal qualities?
The hawk could symbolize someone who has a strong sense of purpose and confidence in their actions.
Identify and explain the simile in the line “The processes of nature resemble the business of men.”
Describe how the gulls are portrayed in the poem.
The gulls float aimlessly on the stream, letting the current carry them without purpose.
Why does the poet call the gulls “foolishly” drifting with the current?
The poet might think that living without purpose or direction is unwise, like how the gulls are just floating without a clear path.
How does the poet use contrast between the hawk and the gulls to convey different themes?
The hawk is strong and focused, while the gulls just drift along. This contrast shows themes of purpose versus aimlessness.
What imagery is used to describe the spider's web?
The spider's web is waiting for prey, showing that it’s set up to catch whatever comes its way.
How might “ten thousand sorrows” relate to the speaker's view of life and the natural world?
It shows that the speaker feels overwhelmed by sadness, perhaps due to life’s hardships, loneliness, or the difficult, ongoing struggles of nature.
How does the speaker describe the processes of nature in the poem?
he speaker says that the way nature works is similar to the “business of men,” meaning that both nature and human life involve struggles and survival.
How does the poet’s description of the hawk and the gulls reflect different approaches to life?
The hawk is focused and active, while the gulls are passive. This could show that some people live with clear goals, while others just go with the flow.
The sparkling dew gives a picture of beauty in nature, reminding readers that nature is not just about danger but also about moments of beauty.
What phrase does the speaker use to express their own sadness or loneliness?
The speaker says, “I stand alone with ten thousand sorrows,” to show deep loneliness and sadness.
What could the spider’s web waiting for prey suggest about nature’s hidden dangers?
It suggests that nature can be dangerous and that threats can appear when least expected.
What effect does the personification of “foolishly” drifting birds have on the reader’s understanding of the gulls?
By calling the birds “foolish,” the poet gives the impression that floating without a purpose is unwise, making readers think about the importance of direction in life.