hubris Flashcards
overview
In Hawk Roosting, Ted Hughes uses the hawk as a metaphor for unchecked power and self-obsession, presenting hubris not just as arrogance, but as a dangerous mindset that blurs the line between nature and tyranny. The hawk’s tone throughout is calm, composed, and disturbingly confident—qualities that allow Hughes to explore the seductive and destructive nature of power.
“I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed”
Right from the opening line, “I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed”, the hawk’s superiority is made clear. The fact that it’s sitting at the very top of the trees shows how it sees itself as above everything, both physically and metaphorically. And the line “my eyes closed” suggests it doesn’t even need to be alert—it’s so powerful that nothing can threaten it. That level of confidence instantly shows hubris, because it’s not just aware of its power, it’s completely relying on it. Hughes starts the poem with a tone of calm dominance to make the hawk sound untouchable, almost like a ruler on a throne.
“It took the whole of Creation To produce my foot, my each feather”
Later on, the hawk says “It took the whole of Creation / To produce my foot, my each feather.” This is where the arrogance really ramps up. The word “Creation” (with a capital C) makes it feel religious, like the hawk believes it’s a result of divine design. By saying “my each feather,” it breaks normal English grammar, which draws attention to the detail—and makes it seem like every single part of its body is special. This line shows hubris because the hawk isn’t just proud of itself—it actually believes the entire universe was made for it. It’s not just powerful; it thinks it’s the purpose of existence. Honestly, it’s kind of mad but also shows how far gone the hawk is in its own ego.
“Now I hold Creation in my foot”.
One of the most arrogant lines is “Now I hold Creation in my foot”. This line works as a metaphor for control—what was once a gift from nature is now something the hawk believes it owns. The image of it gripping “Creation” in its claw is actually kind of terrifying. Hughes uses this to show how hubris leads to dominance, and that the hawk isn’t just powerful in nature—it thinks it rules nature. You can also hear the harsh sounds in “hold” and “foot,” which match the hawk’s violent energy. This shows how its pride is linked directly to destruction.
“I kill where I please because it is all mine.”
Probably the most shocking line is “I kill where I please because it is all mine.” The blunt tone and monosyllabic words give the line real power—it’s almost like the hawk is making a law. There’s no hesitation or guilt. The possessive “mine” shows complete ownership, not just of land but of life and death. Hughes makes this statement feel final and absolute, like there’s no room for argument. This is pure hubris—believing that everything exists just for you, and that you can do whatever you want without consequence. It’s also kind of chilling how casual the hawk is about killing, as if it’s just part of its right.
“My eye has permitted no change,
Then there’s the line “My eye has permitted no change,” which shows the hawk doesn’t just want control over space, but also over time. The verb “permitted” makes it sound like the hawk has the final say in what happens in the world—as if even change itself needs permission. This links to the idea of tyranny, where someone with power refuses to let anything evolve. Hughes uses this to explore how hubris can lead to a fear of losing control, and how proud people—or in this case, creatures—cling to the past to protect their power.
, “I am going to keep things like this,”
The final line, “I am going to keep things like this,” ends the poem with a quiet but powerful threat. The future tense shows that the hawk believes its rule will never end. The tone stays calm, but the message is terrifying—it’s basically saying nothing will ever change, because it won’t let it. Hughes could be suggesting here that true hubris isn’t just about pride—it’s about refusing to let go of power, no matter what. It’s the kind of mindset that leads to dictatorships or absolute control.
structure
The structure of Hawk Roosting reflects the theme of hubris through its tight, controlled form of six regular quatrains, mirroring the hawk’s obsession with order, dominance, and control. The lack of any external voice or narrative shift keeps the focus solely on the hawk’s perspective, reinforcing its egocentric mindset. Hughes uses enjambment to create a smooth, flowing monologue, showing how naturally the hawk views its authority. The consistent stanza length and lack of rhyme also reflect the hawk’s rigid, unchanging belief in its own power—there’s no room for challenge or growth, just endless self-assurance.
context
Ted Hughes wrote Hawk Roosting in the post-war 20th century, a time when the world was still reckoning with the consequences of dictatorship and unchecked power. The hawk in the poem can be seen as a symbol of tyrannical leaders who believe they are above morality or consequence. Hughes was fascinated by the raw, violent force of nature, and in this poem, he explores how that same natural instinct for dominance can mirror human arrogance. The hawk’s hubris reflects a dangerous belief in superiority and control, suggesting that power—whether in nature or politics—can easily become destructive when left unchallenged.
conclusion
In conclusion, Hawk Roosting presents hubris as a dangerous and all-consuming mindset, where power leads to arrogance, control, and a complete lack of empathy. Through the hawk’s calm but chilling voice, Hughes shows how pride can turn into tyranny when it goes unchallenged. The hawk doesn’t just believe it is powerful—it believes it is the centre of the universe, reflecting how hubris can blind individuals to anything beyond themselves.
