Final Timed Writing

0317607
Nicole Lee
June 21, 2007
Timed-Writing 3

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.

In Dead Men’s Path by Chinua Achebe, Michael Obi, a new headmaster of a school, is met with upfront oppositions as he decides to close down a path that has been used for reasons believed to be superstitious. Rather offended by Obi’s decision, a tribal priest comes to the school to tell Obi not to block the path. In the course of their conversation, he mentions a proverb that says: “let the hawk perch and let the eagle perch.” Why did the priest mention this saying? And what does that reveal about the priest himself?

I would like to explain this from the saying itself first. Both being birds with strength and speed, hawks and eagles are used as a symbol of parties with equal or similar amount of strength or abilities who might find themselves in competition. When they both perch, the tense competition comes to a cooling point. Often times in life, there could be different and even opposing ideas – or people who have different perspectives and viewpoints. Sometimes what is most needed to resolve the situation is not fierce arguments and clashing of ideas but rather a condoning attitude, even if it’s for a brief moment. It may calm down both parties and thus prevent further conflict.

By mentioning this proverb, the priest was probably suggesting that he was willing to overlook the “modern” ways of education Obi was trying to implement, although he may not have liked or agreed with it. Given that the Dead Men’s Path was protected, the priest was ready to compromise a bit. I believe this indicates his willingness to tolerate. He mentions that if the path is kept safe, they would have “nothing to argue about”, which tells us even more that he was not looking for battle. He acknowledged the differences they had, and yet he was willing to ‘sign a truce’.

Once a professor of mine said that even though many negative things have been said of the Cold War, it was definitely something that made an era of ‘long peace’ possible. Of course, Cold Wars should not be encouraged. But when it so happens that only a ‘closing of the eyes’ to each other would ensure the well-being of both parties, maybe we should just “let the hawk perch and let the eagle perch.” I only wish Obi had realized that earlier.

28.5.07 03:55