Hawk Roosting

Question 1

Context of the poem

Answer 1

Written by Ted Hughes, a modern poet

He grew up in the countryside, heavily influenced by nature and landscape

Allegory for political leaders or people in power

Represents the brutality of nature but also the arrogance of rulers

Question 2

Summary of the poem

Answer 2

The hawk boasts about its power, believing itself to be the most dominant creature

Enjoys killing in a violent and efficient way

Views itself as superior to nature and even God

Unchallenged in its power, confident that it will remain dominant

Question 3

Form

Answer 3

A dramatic monologue from the perspective of a hawk.

Written in the first person, giving the hawk authority and dominance.

Addressing a silent audience (possibly humanity).

Question 4

Structure

Answer 4

End-stopping gives each line a decisive, controlled feel, reflecting the hawk’s absolute power

The poem begins with the hawk in a meditative state

Ends with a confident assertion about the future – maintaining power and control

Question 5

Langauge

Answer 5

Violent imagery – emphasizes the efficiency of the hawk’s kills

Powerful language – asserts control over nature

Rejects deception, favoring brute strength

First-person pronouns establish dominance and superiority

Question 6

Mood

Answer 6

Arrogant and egotistical.

Confident and assured in power.

Sense of inevitability – the hawk believes it will always remain at the top

Underlying irony – it is part of nature and will eventually lose power upon death, but it is unaware of this

Question 7

Key Quotes

Answer 7

I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed
- at peace - no fear
- Top of food chain = heirarchy
- Physically up high - powerful position over the rest of nature

Now I hold creation in my foot
- Pride - God had to work hard to create the hawk
- Referring to himself as more powerful than GOd

I kill where I please because it is all mine
- Enjoyment in violence
- Entitlement
- Simple language - sense of control