Nature Comparison: Hawk Roosting

Question 1

Ozymandias ideas:

Answer 1

Power overwhelmed by nature (typically a romantic trope)

Question 2

Hawk roosting ideas:

Answer 2

Peak of power (almost seemingly immortal power)

Question 3

First lines immediately introduce the hawk in first person while Ozymandias in third….

Answer 3

This immediately shows how Ozymandias’ power has ceased “antique” by nature, while the hawk is benefitted by it “my eyes closed” (suggests conceited nature)

Question 4

Ozymandias last lines “the lone and level sands stretch far away” show how his empire has been destroyed (his worth) while in hawk roosting….

Answer 4

“I am going to keep things like this” suggests his power is immortal and potentially out-do Ozymandias as nature benefits him. However could be seen as ironic as nature is cyclical and will eventually out-live him too.

Question 5

“It took alll of creation to produce my foot” - Hawk Roosting suggests how the hawk is almost god-like and all-powerful. However in Ozymandias “the hand that mocked them….”

Answer 5

Suggests his creator has out-lived him. Ozy presented as a “king-of-kings” but is ultimately defeated by nature and the power of time. Could be seen as a rejection on authority and leadership from Percy (rejects un-natural forms of dictatorship and power)

Question 6

I’m Ozymandias, his statue (all that is left of his work) is presented as “trunkless” and “shattered” which shows his loss of power and that his work ultimately lead to nothing (typical trope of romanticism that nature retains power) however in hawk the phrase “advantage to me” and “convenience of high trees” suggest…

Answer 6

That nature is benefiting him and ultimately he controls everything and everyone (although probably not as many other animals even stronger). Suggests his mannerisms “tearing off heads”, dictator like, give him power but we know as in Ozymandias it will not last

Question 7

In Ozymandias the phrase “nothing beside remains” contrasts the hawk roosting phrase “nothing has changed since I began” as Ozymandias could not control his loss of power while the hawk is clutching to it…

Answer 7

This seems to suggest that the hawk is only temporarily in charge or that his “eye” and power will not allow change. Could seem ironic in contrast.