The Hawk Is Dying

George Gattling, an auto upholsterer, feels a profound sense of alienation in both the world around him and in his own identity. Living in Gainesville, Florida, he grapples with discontent, struggling to find purpose in his mundane life.

Seeking an escape from his monotonous life, George develops a strong desire to train a wild red-tailed hawk. This ambition symbolizes his quest for freedom and fulfillment away from his responsibilities and familial obligations.

George is the head of his family, which includes his divorced sister, Precious, and her autistic son, Fred. Their family dynamics add to George's stress, as he feels the weight of expectations and the burdens of care.

Betty, a young psychology student, becomes involved in George's life as she works at his auto shop. Unbeknownst to George, she is studying his behavioral patterns, adding an additional layer of complexity to his already strained life.

As George pursues his dream of training hawks, he begins to bond with his nephew Fred. This shared passion creates a vital connection between them, providing George with a momentary escape from his responsibilities.

After years of effort and disappointment, George and Fred finally succeed in capturing a magnificent red-tailed hawk. This achievement marks a significant moment in George's life, rekindling hope and motivation within him.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Fred unexpectedly drowns in his water bed during the night. This tragedy leaves George devastated, compounding his feelings of isolation and sorrow.

In his grief, George develops an unwavering belief that his survival is linked to the hawk he has captured. This realization deepens his commitment to train the hawk, which he now views as a crucial element of his existence.

Determined to tame the hawk, George embarks on a torturous regimen of deprivation for both himself and the bird. He commits to not eating or sleeping, believing that through this sacrifice, they will achieve their goal.

As George immerses himself in the training process, he finds himself engaged in a tense and challenging standoff with the hawk. Their struggle embodies George's personal battle, as both he and the creature fight against submission.

George's relentless pursuit begins to raise alarm among his family, who worry about his mental state. They observe his increasingly irrational behavior, questioning whether he is losing touch with reality.

Amidst the turmoil, Betty recognizes the importance of George's journey. She understands that his need to confront his inner struggles is vital for his personal growth and eventual salvation.

As George enters a deep state of desperation and determination, he experiences heightened senses and raw emotions. This transformative phase allows him to perceive life in a new way, connecting him deeply to the world around him.

In this intense and emotional state, George becomes aware of the profound realities of existence. He grasps the concept of the ‘blood of things’—a metaphor for the deeper truths of life that many overlook amidst modern distractions.