Question

“The Eagle” / from Julius Caesar

The first five lines of Tennyson’s poem are simple descriptions. Line 6, however, adds action to the description. What does the simile “like a thunderbolt he falls” in line 6 convey?

Answer 1

The simile "like a thunderbolt he falls" in line 6 of Tennyson's poem "The Eagle" conveys the sudden and swift nature of the eagle's descent. The poem describes the eagle as flying "clasping the crag with crooked hands" and "close to the sun," creating an image of a majestic and powerful creature soaring through the sky. However, in line 6, the action shifts as the eagle "falls" from this great height, descending rapidly and forcefully. The simile of a thunderbolt emphasizes the speed and power of the eagle's descent, likening it to a powerful force of nature. Overall, this simile adds an element of excitement and danger to the poem, emphasizing the eagle's predatory nature and its ability to strike quickly and decisively.