Final Timed-writing - daisyxu

Final Timed-writing

Date: June 21, 2007
Timed-writing Three

Directions: In Dead Men’s Path the priest says “let the hawk perch and let the eagle perch.” Discuss what you think he means and what this saying reveals about him.

     As far as I know, a hawk or an eagle is a kind of bird that has a high spirit and an ambitious and sharp mind. So I think by saying “let the hawk perch and let the eagle perch,” the priest means that even the most ambitious person should rest himself for some while. Because, first of all, the priest says it when he is having a talk with Obi, who is a really ambitious young man willing to do something significant but against the villagers’ will. And if Obi succeeded, the situation and his relation with the local people would be worse and worse. Also, the purpose of the priest’s visiting Obi is to stop him from blocking the dead men’s path. Therefore, I believe that the priest says the saying to persuade Obi to “rest” himself, to stop blocking the dead men’s path and even to persuade him not to be too ambitious.

According to the saying, I think the priest is lenient in treating Obi, even though Obi is determined to do something against the whole villagers’ will. As far as I can remember, the conversation between Obi and the priest is not that smooth. Obi is so determined and ambitious that he listened to none of the priest’s advises and he even does not respect the priest at all. Anyway, as a priest, he showed no anger and is still patient with Obi, saying “let the hawk perch and let the eagle perch,” willing to let the spirit of Obi “perch”.

Besides, I believe that in the local culture, it is not a bad thing to compare a person to an eagle, for eagles always symbolize a high spirit. In the story, even though Obi wants to block the dead men’s path, looking down upon the local religion, the priest still think that Obi’s ambition to do things well is no fault, and that Obi is just a bit too ambitious and needs some rest. So the priest compared Obi to an eagle and wishes him to have a rest, which also shows the generosity of the priest.

Finally, to persuade Obi to give up his plan and to stop his action, the priest first says directly what should not be done according to the local religion. When his suggestions are not accepted by Obi, he can do nothing but finally says the saying shown above. We can even imagine that the priest says the saying as he sighs. I believe that the priest not only feel sorry for the dead men’s path, which is to be block soon, but also for Obi, as Obi is too high spirited and ambitious that he cannot take anyone’s advise and is doomed to be given a lesson by the local people, as is described in the end of the story. Therefore, I think the priest is praying for Obi by saying “let the hawk perch and let the eagle perch,” hoping that Obi can take consideration for others and let his spirit perch for a while.

24.5.07 06:29

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Sophie (3.8.11 10:30)
Really great post nice work i love your work and its really helped me in my research.Thanks for sharing
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