Hawk Roosting: Study Guide
Class XII Semester 4 | English-B
1. Symbolism & Message
(a) What does the hawk symbolize in the poem? (2)
The hawk acts as a symbol of power, dominance, and control. It represents the idea of absolute power, positioning itself as the "ultimate ruler of nature" and the top of the food chain.
(b) How does the poet convey the hawk's arrogance through language? (2)
The poet uses language that reflects the mindset of an authoritarian ruler who believes in a "divine right to control and dominate". For example, the hawk arrogantly claims that "it took the whole of Creation to produce my foot," implying the entire universe exists solely for its benefit.
(c) What is the overall message of the poem? (2)
The poem explores themes of "power, arrogance, natural order, and the brutality of existence". It serves as a commentary on dictatorship while also reflecting the view that nature is both beautiful and merciless, where survival relies purely on strength and instinct.
2. Attitude & Imagery
(a) Describe the hawk's attitude towards power. (2)
The hawk displays an attitude of "absolute power". It believes it has "unchallenged authority" and views itself as having god-like control over life and death, assigning death to others as it pleases.
(b) How does Hughes use imagery to show control and dominance? (2)
Hughes uses the imagery of the hawk sitting at the "top of the wood" to symbolize "supreme power and control". The repetition of the word "hooked" (hooked head, hooked feet) emphasizes the hawk's physical adaptations designed specifically for hunting and killing.
(c) What impression do you get of the hawk's personality? (2)
The hawk appears to be a cold, focused perfectionist. It does not indulge in "falsifying dream[s]" or self-deception. Even in sleep, its personality is entirely focused on "survival and dominance".
3. Significance & Techniques
(a) Explain the significance of the line "I kill where I please because it is all mine." (2)
This line signifies the hawk's "unrestricted freedom to kill". It highlights that the hawk feels no moral conflict, acting purely on instinct and the belief that it owns the world around it.
(b) How does this line reflect the hawk's sense of superiority? (2)
It reflects superiority by suggesting the hawk "now controls the world". The phrase "it is all mine" implies that the hawk sees creation not as a shared space, but as property subject to its "god-like control".
(c) What poetic techniques enhance this idea? (2)
The poem uses the form of a "dramatic monologue" to give voice to this arrogance directly. Additionally, the contrast with "sophistry" (deceptive reasoning) highlights that the hawk does not need complex arguments to justify its actions, unlike humans.
4. Authority & Tone
(a) How does the hawk view nature and creation? (2)
The hawk views nature as a support system for its own advantage, noting the "air's buoyancy" and the sun's support. It arrogantly claims that the "entire universe worked to create it".
(b) What does the poem suggest about authority and control? (2)
The poem suggests that true authority is "direct" and "unchallenged". It implies that power is maintained when "no arguments assert [one's] right," relying instead on brute force and physical advantage.
(c) How does the tone of the poem support this theme? (2)
The tone is absolute and unchanging. Phrases like "Nothing has changed since I began" and "I am going to keep things like this" show a tone where "nothing disrupts its rule," reinforcing the theme of eternal, stagnant tyranny.
Comments
Post a Comment