Answer with reference to the context:
(i) The white man, disguised as a falcon, swoops in and yet again steals a salmon from Crow’s talon.
Solution
The lines “The white man, disguised
as a falcon, swoops in
and yet again steals a salmon
from Crow’s talon”
come from the poem “Coyote Holds a Full House in His Hand” by Native American poet Joy Harjo.
The lines depict a scene of exploitation and theft, with the white man being compared to a falcon who steals a salmon from Crow’s talon. The metaphor suggests a relationship of power and dominance, with the white man using his superior technology and resources to take what belongs to the native people. The use of the word “disguised” also suggests a sense of deception or trickery, as if the white man is trying to hide his true intentions and actions.
The lines are part of a larger poem that explores themes of loss, displacement, and cultural identity in the context of Native American history and experience. The image of the white man as a falcon stealing from Crow also touches on the theme of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and self-determination. The poem as a whole speaks to the complex and often painful legacy of colonization, and the ongoing efforts to reclaim and celebrate Native American culture and traditions.
Overall, the lines suggest a sense of conflict and imbalance between different cultures and peoples, with the white man using his power and privilege to take what belongs to others. At the same time, the metaphor of the falcon and Crow also suggests a sense of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, as the native people continue to fight for their rights and their culture.
(ii) If the red slayer thinks he slays Or if the slain thinks he is slain They know not well the subtle ways I keep, and pass, and turn again
Solution
The lines “If the red slayer thinks he slays
Or if the slain thinks he is slain
They know not well the subtle ways
I keep, and pass, and turn again” come from the poem “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman.
The lines suggest a deep sense of ambiguity and uncertainty about the nature of reality and the self. The image of the red slayer and the slain both thinking they have achieved a final victory or defeat highlights the limited perspective that we have as individual beings, and the ways in which our experiences are shaped by our own subjective interpretations.
The lines also suggest a sense of mystery and unpredictability, with the speaker describing the “subtle ways” in which he “keeps, and passes, and turns again.” This image suggests a sense of movement and change, and the idea that even in the midst of apparent victories and defeats, there is a larger, more complex reality at play.
The lines are part of a larger poem that explores themes of individual identity, interconnectedness, and the complexity of the human experience. The image of the red slayer and the slain both being uncertain about their own fate highlights the ways in which we are all interconnected, and how our individual experiences are shaped by larger forces beyond our control.
Overall, the lines suggest a sense of humility and uncertainty about the nature of reality, and the limits of our own understanding. They also highlight the importance of embracing mystery and complexity, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things. As with much of Whitman’s work, the lines celebrate the beauty and wonder of the world, while also acknowledging its many mysteries and complexities.