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About this quote

What does it mean?
An eagle died because it noticed its own feather on the arrow that killed it.
In plain terms
The eagle died because of its own feathers used on the arrow.
What can you take from it?
Own traits can sometimes harm us.

Where it applies

  • analyzing tragedy
  • discussing irony

Putting it to work

  • studying fables
  • writing tragedies

Questions to consider

  • How do our strengths become weaknesses?
  • What is ironic about fate?

Another view

This relies on specific bird anatomy details.

More from Edmund Waller

  1. The yielding marble of her snowy breast.

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  2. A narrow compass! and yet there Dwelt all that 's good, and all that 's fair; Give me but what this riband bound, Take all the rest the sun goes round.

    Permalink to quote #17
  3. There is a garden in her face Where roses and white lilies blow; A heavenly paradise is that place, Wherein all pleasant fruits do flow: There cherries grow wh…

    Permalink to quote #14

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