IndexThe Heart of the Hummingbird: A Wonder of NatureThe Heart of the Blue Whale: A Monument of GreatnessUniversal Vulnerability: The Heart as a SymbolConclusion: Embracing the Rhythms of LifeThe essay by Brian Doyle "Joyas Voladoras" is a masterful exploration of existence, encapsulated in the touching metaphor of the heart. A heart, Doyle suggests, is not simply an organ but a container of experience, emotion and vitality. Through an intricate juxtaposition between the hummingbird and the blue whale, he delves into the essence of life, love and the inevitable vulnerability that accompanies them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Heart of the Hummingbird: A Wonder of NatureDoyle begins his essay by immersing the reader in the fast-paced world of the hummingbird. Describing these creatures as “flying jewels,” he paints a vivid picture of their incredible energy and astonishing biological feats. Their hearts, beating up to 1,260 times per minute, bear witness to the extremes of life. The hummingbird's existence, punctuated by rapid heartbeats and ephemeral moments, becomes a symbol of the fleeting intensity of life. In this depiction, Doyle captures the paradox of the hummingbird's heart: it is both powerful and fragile. The high metabolic rate of birds requires constant feeding, a tireless search for sustenance that leaves no room for rest. This relentless drive to survive reflects the human condition, in which we often push ourselves to the brink, driven by ambition, passion or necessity. Doyle's depiction of the hummingbird forces us to confront our fragility and the transitory beauty of our activities. The Heart of the Blue Whale: A Monument of Greatness In contrast to the tiny hummingbird, Doyle moves on to the blue whale, the largest creature to ever exist. Here the essay takes a turn towards the monumental. The blue whale's heart is a colossal entity, weighing nearly 1,300 pounds and beating at a slow, deliberate pace. This leviathan heart, capable of being heard two miles away, becomes a symbol of endurance and longevity. In this juxtaposition, Doyle highlights the vast spectrum of life and the different ways in which organisms go through their existence. The blue whale, with its slow, powerful heartbeats, represents a different kind of survival: measured, sustained, and less frenetic. Through this, Doyle invites readers to reflect on the different rhythms of life and how they shape our experiences and perceptions. Universal vulnerability: the heart as a symbol Doyle's essay transcends the biological specificities of the hummingbird and the blue whale to explore a deeper and more universal dimension. theme: the vulnerability of the heart. Notice how every heart, regardless of its size or rhythm, is susceptible to breaking. This poignant observation serves as a reminder of our shared mortality and the inherent risks of living with an open heart. He eloquently states, “You can wall up your heart as stoutly and tightly, as hard and coldly and impregnably as you can, and breaking it down comes in an instant.” This universal truth speaks to the human condition, where love, loss, and vulnerability are inextricably linked. Doyle's meditation on the heart becomes a meditation on life itself, urging readers to embrace the beauty and pain that come from being alive. Conclusion: Embracing the rhythms of life "Joyas Voladoras" is not simply an essay on biological wonders of the hummingbird and the blue whale; it is a profound reflection on the nature of existence.