Comparing View-Whet 'And Mary Oliver's Owls'

Water is one of the most powerful forces on the earth and can cause mass destruction; however, water is gentle enough to bathe in and use for recreation. Similarly, and Mary Oliver's Owls, she elaborates on nature's ability to be terrifying yet also gentle,in a calming way. Through this observation of nature, she reveals how these different viewpoints shape her complex response to nature.
Oliver begins this essay by contrasting the horned owls commanding presence compared to that of other species. The saw-whet and Screech owl are described as “delicate.” The saw- whet is even compared to a big soft month. These descriptions set up a stark contrast of the horned owl which is described having, “razor tipped toes” and “a heavy hooked beak.”