nature and animalistic Flashcards
overview
In Hawk Roosting by Ted Hughes, the theme of nature and the animalistic is portrayed through the hawk’s view of itself as a dominant force in the natural world. This perspective emphasizes the raw, brutal, and unrelenting power of the hawk as an animal that operates on instinct, control, and survival. Hughes uses stark, vivid imagery and language to reflect this animalistic nature, showcasing the hawk’s dispassionate existence in the natural world.
“I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed,”
The opening line, “I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed,” is crucial in setting the tone of the poem. The image of the hawk sitting “at the top of the wood” establishes its supremacy over all other creatures, suggesting it is both literally and metaphorically above its environment. The hawk’s “eyes closed” creates a sense of self-satisfaction and indifference, implying that the hawk does not need to be vigilant, as it is not threatened by anything. This reinforces the idea of the hawk’s dominant position in nature, where it feels secure and untouchable. The “eyes closed” also suggests a disconnection from the world below, indicating that the hawk is unaware, or perhaps uninterested, in the life around it. It is a creature who has transcended the need for awareness or engagement with anything but itself.
“Inaction, no falsifying dream”
“Inaction, no falsifying dream” further deepens the theme of the hawk’s animalistic existence. The phrase “inaction” is striking because it directly contrasts with the usual idea of a predator being active, hunting, or seeking. Here, the hawk is at rest, showing that it requires no effort to assert its dominance. It rests effortlessly because, to the hawk, its power is a given, not something that needs to be earned. The line “no falsifying dream” is especially significant. “Falsifying” suggests that dreams or aspirations that might involve hope, morality, or idealism are inauthentic or unnecessary. The hawk has no need for dreams of progress or compassion; it operates entirely on instinct. This line portrays the hawk as being free of human concepts of hope or change, focusing solely on its animalistic nature — predatory, self-sufficient, and unyielding.
“Between my hooked head and hooked feet”,
When the hawk says, “Between my hooked head and hooked feet”, the image is immediately powerful. The repetition of “hooked” highlights the sharpness and lethal nature of the hawk’s body. The hooked beak and talons are designed for killing, which emphasizes the hawk’s role as a predator. The hawk is defined by its physical capabilities, which allow it to maintain control over its environment. The “hooked feet” also symbolize the hawk’s power over life and death — they are not only tools for movement but instruments of violence. The tone of this line is matter-of-fact, which adds to the cold, dispassionate nature of the hawk. Hughes uses these physical characteristics to symbolically reinforce the hawk’s status as a powerful, unapologetically predatory creature.
“I kill where I please because it is all mine”
The line “I kill where I please because it is all mine” is a bold statement of the hawk’s absolute power. The phrase “because it is all mine” shows that the hawk views the world as its possession. This sense of ownership is chilling, suggesting that the hawk believes it is entitled to take whatever it wants from the world without question. The use of “kill” here is blunt, emphasizing the hawk’s lack of concern for morality, ethics, or consequences. It is a natural law for the hawk to kill, as it sees itself as the ultimate authority. There is no hesitation in its actions — it kills simply because it can. The hawk’s sense of entitlement over the natural world reinforces the theme of the animalistic nature of its existence. The tone is authoritative, with the hawk speaking as though it is stating a fact, rather than justifying its actions.
“My feet are locked upon the rough bark”
My feet are locked upon the rough bark” is another line that strengthens the hawk’s position in the natural world. The word “locked” conveys the hawk’s dominance and security; it is not a creature that can be easily displaced or threatened. Its feet are firmly entrenched in its environment, showing that it is in control and unshakeable. The “rough bark” creates a harsh, rugged image of nature, and by extension, the hawk’s place within this environment. The “roughness” of the bark can be seen as symbolic of the brutal, untamed world the hawk inhabits. This is a world where strength, not compassion, rules. The tone here is also one of certainty and permanence. The hawk’s connection to the natural world is not fragile or temporary; it is entrenched and unyielding, emphasizing its animalistic survival instinct.
“The sun is behind me”
The line “The sun is behind me” is particularly symbolic. The sun is often associated with life, growth, and energy. By positioning the sun “behind me,” the hawk is asserting that it is above all things, even the forces of life itself. The hawk is not guided by the sun, nor does it rely on its warmth or light; instead, it is detached from nature in a way that makes it appear otherworldly. The sun “behind” the hawk positions it as a force of nature that cannot be opposed, and the sun itself, a symbol of vitality, appears subordinate to the hawk’s power. This reinforces the theme of the hawk as a dominating, almost godlike creature in the natural order. The tone here is again one of supremacy and total control.
“Nothing has changed since I began”
Finally, “Nothing has changed since I began” reflects the hawk’s complete and unyielding nature. The hawk views time as irrelevant to its power. The phrase suggests that since the hawk has existed, nothing in its world has been able to challenge its rule. Its existence is cyclical and unchanging, reinforcing its authority over nature. The hawk is an eternal figure in its environment, and its predatory nature has remained constant. The tone here is reflective yet resolute, underscoring the inevitability of the hawk’s dominance.
strucutre
The structure of Hawk Roosting mirrors the hawk’s sense of dominance and control over nature. The poem consists of short, direct stanzas that reflect the hawk’s cold, predatory mindset, with each stanza building on its sense of power and detachment. The lack of a regular rhyme scheme or rhythmic pattern suggests the unpredictability and rawness of the natural world, mirroring the hawk’s primal, instinctual behavior. The monologue-like tone of the poem, where the hawk speaks with authority, reinforces its animalistic qualities, asserting its position at the top of the natural hierarchy. This free-flowing structure emphasizes the hawk’s isolation and its unwavering control over its environment, aligning with the theme of nature as a ruthless, unchanging force.
context
Hawk Roosting was written by Ted Hughes in 1960, a time when there was growing interest in exploring the raw, primal aspects of nature and human existence. The poem reflects Hughes’ fascination with the animal world, portraying the hawk as a symbol of absolute power and dominance. The hawk’s perspective is cold and detached, showing nature as a brutal force where survival is governed by instinct, not morality. Through the hawk’s arrogant and solitary viewpoint, Hughes emphasizes nature’s harsh, unforgiving reality, where violence and control are central to existence. The hawk embodies the raw, animalistic traits of the natural world, devoid of compassion or idealism.
conclusion
In conclusion, Ted Hughes uses powerful imagery, tone, and subject terminology to explore the theme of nature and the animalistic in Hawk Roosting. Through the hawk’s perspective, Hughes portrays the brutal realities of the natural world, where power, violence, and instinct are paramount. The hawk’s language is detached, cold, and authoritative, presenting it as a being that is both above and outside human concepts of morality. Through this lens, nature becomes a ruthless, unchanging force where survival is determined by domination, and compassion has no place. Hughes effectively uses these techniques to present the hawk as an embodiment of the animalistic, untamed world it inhabits.
