The eagle is a laid back, silent leader who is on top of his kingdom. He is defiantly an aged leader in that the poem talks of his "crooked hands," also using words like, "Ringed," and "wrinkled," in describing him. I also noticed, which I believe is the biggest difference, the leadership qualities shown by each bird. "The Eagle," is a silent, lead-by-example, kind of leader. He just sits on his high perch, watching and waiting, for the next bit of prey to invade his territory. Even in that, prey is not his big worry, he is just taking in his surroundings' beauty. "

One of the similarities between the two birds is the fact that both live in high, almost commanding parts of their territory. The eagle for instance says he lives, "Close to the sun," and that, "He watches from his mountain walls." The hawk now talks of, "The convenience of high trees," and, "I sit atop of the wood, my eyes closed." So in both instances, we as readers picture high mountaintops with overhanging trees where these birds have made nests and are perching. Another of the similarities is the fact that both birds are predators. Although in "The Eagle" you don't actually read about killing another animal, you have to wonder what the last verse means. "And like a thunderbolt he falls," is what is stated in the last verse. Is he diving just for a breath of fresh air? Or has he spotted a creature from his mountainous view and decided he needed it for dinner? I myself feel he has been observing all day and is ready for dinner. In, "Hawk Roosting," you don't have to read the killing into the poem, on the other hand that is really what it

Some common words found in the essay are:
Ted Hughes, Hawk Roosting, Masters Domain, hawk roosting, creation foot, hold creation foot, hold creation, mountain walls, ready dinner, similarities birds, read killing, masters domain,
Approximate Word count = 712
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)