H is for Hawk Flashcards
What type of text is ‘H is for Hawk’
a Grieving memoir
what is the purpose of the text ‘H is for Hawk’
a memoir(to reflect)
To explore the complex power of grief
To show the power of nature / our relationship to nature
what tone is used in the text ‘H is for Hawk’
- Awestruck and overwhelmed tone
- Anxiety / nervousness
- Self-conscious and afraid
what are the key themes and ideas in the text ‘H is for Hawk’
- The power of nature which is both beautiful and destructive
- Human need for connection and bonding
- The power of grief to overwhelm and distort our psychology / worldview
highlight some structural points in the text ‘H is for Hawk’
Short paragraphs for effect - ‘oh’, stressing her panic and anxiety.
Uncertain cliffhanger ending – Suggestive of her lack of resolution and emphasising her panic
Short sentences – emphasising the awe and wonder when describing the first hawk.
Contrast between the falconer’s calm and ease with Macdonald’s panic and awe
Juxtaposition between the first and second hawk – wonder / awe with fear / panic
Direct speech – opens with direct speech to emphasise the falconer’s expertise and presence
highlight some language points in the text ‘H is for Hawk’
Violent and aggressive imagery and vocabulary - ‘thump’ / ‘as if someone had punched it’ / ‘wailed’ / ‘awful gouts’
Extended metaphors and similes describing the first hawk to emphasise her inability to process / communicate its full power with simple language.
**Adverbs to show fragility / vulnerability - **‘lumpen’ / ‘fluffy’ / ‘wobbling’ / ‘frail’
**Rhetorical questions - **Particularly with regard to second hawk
**Broken dialogue showing panic / anxiety- ** ‘Do you think there’s any chance I could take that one instead…’’ / ‘But I…Could I’?
Cultural references - ‘Like a sort of madwoman in the attic (simile referencing Jane Eyre)
**Semantic field of urgency and panic - ** ‘Whirring, chaotic clatter’
Biblical imagery ‘A fallen angel’ - conveying the beauty and other worldly power of nature
