power and control Flashcards
overview
In Hawk Roosting, Ted Hughes explores the theme of power and control through the hawk’s self-assured and dominant perspective. The hawk views itself as the ultimate ruler of its environment, believing that nature exists solely to serve its needs. It exhibits arrogance and a ruthless desire to maintain its unchallenged authority, with no regard for the lives of other creatures. Throughout the poem, the hawk asserts its supremacy over life and death, showing a cold, detached confidence in its position at the top of the food chain. Hughes uses imagery and tone to depict the hawk as a symbol of absolute power, emphasizing its belief in its unquestioned right to control and dominate.
“I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed.”
“I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed.”
The image of the hawk “sitting in the top of the wood” immediately establishes its dominion over the natural world. The phrase “top of the wood” suggests a position of unassailable power, elevated above everything else, both literally and figuratively. The top is where the hawk is perched—above the rest of the creatures in the forest. This is no ordinary perch; it signifies complete control. The fact that the hawk’s “eyes are closed” further amplifies its sense of invulnerability. It does not need to be vigilant because it feels no threat from its surroundings. In fact, the hawk is so secure in its position that it does not even need to observe, as it believes everything below it is beneath its notice. The tone of this line is one of serene, detached authority. There is no fear or hesitation in the hawk’s posture, just an all-consuming confidence in its dominance over its domain.
“The convenience of the high trees!”
“The convenience of the high trees!”
The word “convenience” suggests that the hawk views its position in the high trees as a natural advantage, implying that nature has perfectly arranged itself to benefit the hawk’s power and comfort. This reflects the hawk’s arrogance and sense of entitlement, as it sees the world around it as something that exists for its benefit. The use of “convenience” also conveys a sense of ease; the hawk doesn’t have to struggle to maintain its dominance, as everything in its environment works to support it. The tone here is smug and self-satisfied, revealing the hawk’s belief that it is the center of the natural world and that the environment is designed to elevate its control. This reinforces the theme of power and control, showing the hawk’s belief that it is entitled to rule over everything around it.
“My feet are locked upon the rough bark.”
“My feet are locked upon the rough bark.”
The word “locked” here conveys the idea of an unbreakable, immovable grip, suggesting that the hawk’s power over the environment is not temporary but permanent. The image of the hawk’s feet “locked” onto the “rough bark” represents its unyielding control. The word “locked” also has connotations of security and dominance, as if no one—not even the natural world—can move it from this position. The “rough bark” contrasts with the hawk’s imposing strength, suggesting that the environment, while harsh and difficult for others, cannot unsettle the hawk. This demonstrates how its power is not simply about its position, but about its ability to conquer any obstacles, no matter how challenging. The tone here is one of firmness and finality. The hawk is resolute, immovable in its authority, reinforcing the idea that its control is not temporary or vulnerable to outside forces.
“It took the whole of Creation To produce my foot, my each feather:”
“It took the whole of Creation / To produce my foot, my each feather:”
This quote sees the hawk elevating itself to a god-like status. The phrase “It took the whole of Creation” implies that the entire universe, from the beginning of time, was necessary just to create the hawk. This shows an extreme form of egotism, where the hawk believes itself to be the culmination of all that exists in nature. The words “whole of Creation” suggest that the hawk sees itself as the pinnacle of existence, the final result of a cosmic process. It goes beyond mere self-confidence into an almost divine sense of entitlement. The hawk’s “foot” and “each feather” are not just biological features, but proof of its dominance, as if its physical form is the ultimate achievement of creation itself. The phrase “Now I hold Creation in my foot” asserts that the hawk now controls everything it represents—nature itself is subjugated to its power. This idea that the hawk “holds Creation” further emphasizes its belief that it is the center of the universe. The tone here is boastful and haughty, as the hawk revels in its sense of being the natural and perhaps divine ruler of all things.
“I kill where I please because it is all mine.”
“I kill where I please because it is all mine.”
This quote reinforces the hawk’s brutal and unyielding dominance over life and death. The phrase “I kill where I please” suggests that the hawk has the power to take life at will, with no consequences or remorse. The word “please” indicates that the hawk does not even view its acts of violence as significant; they are done purely for its own satisfaction. The hawk sees life and death as part of its realm of control, not as events that require justification. The statement “because it is all mine” reinforces the hawk’s absolute claim over everything in its environment. It owns not just its perch but the entire world, including the lives of other creatures. This chilling assertion reveals the hawk’s tyrannical nature. The tone is detached, almost matter-of-fact, showing the hawk’s lack of empathy and its cold, unflinching control. The line suggests a worldview in which the hawk is the unquestioned ruler, and everything within its domain is its property to do with as it pleases.
“My eye has permitted no change. I am going to keep things like this.”
“My eye has permitted no change. / I am going to keep things like this.”
In this final line, the hawk reveals its desire for permanence and unchallenged rule. The phrase “My eye has permitted no change” suggests that the hawk is not just a passive observer but an active force that ensures the world remains exactly as it wants it to be. The word “permitted” implies that change is not allowed within the hawk’s domain; it has the power to stop any shift or disruption to its reign. The hawk’s “eye” here symbolizes its ability to control perception and reality, further emphasizing its role as the all-powerful observer. The statement “I am going to keep things like this” indicates that the hawk is not only maintaining control, but it intends for it to be permanent. The tone here is one of finality and authority, suggesting that the hawk will not tolerate any change or challenge to its rule. It is a cold, almost tyrannical declaration of control.
structure
The structure of Hawk Roosting reflects the hawk’s growing sense of power and control, with the poem’s tight, controlled form mirroring the hawk’s authoritarian perspective. The use of short, declarative sentences creates a tone of certainty and dominance, with each stanza building on the hawk’s self-assurance. The regularity and rhythm of the poem suggest an unchallenged, unchanging authority, as the hawk’s control over its environment remains constant. The poem’s lack of variation in structure emphasizes the hawk’s belief in its unyielding power and the permanence of its rule.
context
In Hawk Roosting, Ted Hughes uses the hawk’s perspective to explore the theme of power and control, presenting the bird as a ruthless, authoritative figure who believes it is the ultimate force in nature. The hawk’s dominance is unquestioned, as it views its environment as something created solely for its benefit. Through the hawk’s cold, detached tone and its perception of everything around it as a tool for asserting its power, the poem conveys a sense of arrogance and entitlement. The hawk’s control over life and death, its unchallenged position at the top of the natural hierarchy, and its determination to maintain that power reflect the relentless and absolute nature of its rule.
conclusion
In Hawk Roosting, Ted Hughes portrays the hawk as a symbol of absolute power and control, depicting it as a ruthless, unchallenged ruler of its domain. Through the hawk’s detached attitude, self-importance, and brutal nature, Hughes illustrates a world where dominance is unquestioned, and the natural environment exists solely to serve the hawk’s needs. The hawk’s belief in its supremacy and its cold, calculating demeanor highlight the theme of power, where control over life and death is seen as a natural entitlement. Ultimately, the poem presents a chilling portrait of authority and tyranny, where the hawk’s power is both absolute and unassailable.
