The Eagle's Heart

"The Eagle's Heart" by Hamlin Garland is a story set in the late 1800s, about Harold Excell, a minister's son whose fiery nature causes constant clashes in his small-town life. His strong personality and desire for independence lead him into conflict, resulting in serious trouble. The story explores themes of family arguments, personal dreams, and the strong urge for freedom as Harold imagines leaving his father's expectations behind to seek adventure out West herding cattle. The opening introduces young Harold, known for his rebelliousness, and his trouble with being the "preacher's boy" in the eyes of the town. His complicated relationship with his father and stepmother, along with friendships and feelings for Dot, influence Harold's character. This leads to a key act of violence that changes Harold's life forever, pulling the reader into the outcomes of his decisions and his yearning to escape the limits of society.