Poem Analysis: Five Eyes

Overview of "Five Eyes"

• Poem features Hans, a mill owner, and his three black cats.
• Illustrates the setting of a mill, evoking a sense of nighttime mystery.

Characters

• Hans: The old miller who is oblivious to the activity around him as he sleeps soundly.
• Three Cats:
  • Described as black, with notable attributes like "five eyes" that are “smouldering green and bright.”
  • Engage in the hunt for rats in the mill, showcasing their predatory instincts.

Setting

• Old Mill: An essential part of the setting, related to the working life of the characters.
• Nighttime Atmosphere: Creates a sense of suspense and activity as the cats patrol.
• Break of Day: Marks the end of the nocturnal hunt, transitioning to the day where the mill becomes active again.

Themes

• Predation and Survival: The cats represent natural instincts, hunting down the "thieving rats."
• Contrast of Activity and Inactivity: The restless night of the cats versus Hans's deep sleep highlights the difference between awareness and ignorance.

Imagery

• Vivid descriptions of sounds ("squeaks from the flour sacks") and visuals (“whisking tail, and sniffing snout”) enhance the poem's playful yet eerie tone.
• The portrayal of the cats covered in flour emphasizes their role in the mill's environment.

Conclusion

• The poem encapsulates a small ecosystem within the mill where the cats are guardians against pests, reflecting a balance of life amidst human activity.

Explore the intriguing poem 'Five Eyes' featuring Hans, a mill owner, and his three mysterious black cats. This quiz delves into the characters, setting, and themes of predation and survival presented in the poem. Join in to uncover the activities that unfold in the nighttime atmosphere of the old mill.