Voices of the headland: Robinson Jeffers and the bird of prey

This dissertation examines numerous representations of birds of prey in the life and poetry of Robinson Jeffers; I contend that such animals remain central to Jeffers' aesthetic vision. The broad range of raptor-imagery examined along with the integration of that imagery into Jeffers' artistic perception and life experience includes by assorted gradation, various species of hawk, falcon, eagle, vulture, condor, harrier, kite, osprey, and owl. My investigation---focusing upon the raptor figure not only as a repeating motif central to Jeffers' unusual and engaging aesthetic, but also as a powerful extension of his existential sense of Self---has the potential to generate new insight into the life and work of this distinct California poet. Ultimately, I hope to provide a valuable contribution to the growing body of literary criticism currently known as Jeffers Studies.; Contending that raptors remain central to Jeffers' worldview this dissertation provides evidence by examining the poetic representation of these amazing animals through diverse explanatory frameworks of thought. Through an analysis of primary and secondary texts and close readings of Jeffers' work my investigation performs a "hawk's eye" examination, if you will, utilizing various degrees of scientific and philosophical, psychological and sociological, ontological, and ecological frameworks of thought.; Ultimately, I attempt to codify in some general sense the raptor motif as a primary and symbolic component both reflective of Jeffers' worldview and essential to his artistic perception. Lastly, I provide a few ideas for the integration of Jeffers' hawk motif into a viable pedagogical context for students of higher education.