“Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes

“Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes, first appeared in his 1960 poetry collection Lupercal, explores themes of dominance, control, and the raw instinct of nature as embodied in the voice of a hawk. Hughes presents the hawk as a symbol of unrelenting authority, self-assuredness, and power, offering insight into the predatory nature of creatures in the natural world and, by extension, human ambitions and power dynamics. The hawk’s monologue, in which it reflects on its own supremacy and natural right to kill, resonates due to its unapologetic expression of primal instincts, highlighting the inherent violence and ego often present in nature. The poem’s popularity stems from Hughes’ skillful use of imagery and stark language that confronts readers with uncomfortable truths about power, survival, and the natural order. Its layered meanings allow readers to interpret it as either a literal depiction of a bird’s mindset or a broader metaphor for human desires, making it a compelling and enduring piece in Hughes’ oeuvre.

Text: “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes

I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed.
Inaction, no falsifying dream
Between my hooked head and hooked feet:
Or in sleep rehearse perfect kills and eat.

The convenience of the high trees!
The air’s buoyancy and the sun’s ray
Are of advantage to me;
And the earth’s face upward for my inspection.

My feet are locked upon the rough bark.
It took the whole of Creation
To produce my foot, my each feather:
Now I hold Creation in my foot

Or fly up, and revolve it all slowly –
I kill where I please because it is all mine.
There is no sophistry in my body:
My manners are tearing off heads –

The allotment of death.
For the one path of my flight is direct
Through the bones of the living.
No arguments assert my right:

The sun is behind me.
Nothing has changed since I began.
My eye has permitted no change.
I am going to keep things like this.

Annotations: “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes

Line	Annotation
I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed.	The hawk is perched in a high position, symbolizing dominance and control; “eyes closed” suggests confidence in its power, resting without fear.
Inaction, no falsifying dream	The hawk feels no need for fantasies or distractions; it is content in its power and superiority, needing nothing beyond its own reality.
Between my hooked head and hooked feet:	“Hooked” imagery emphasizes the hawk’s sharpness and lethal nature, symbolizing its ability to hunt and kill efficiently.
Or in sleep rehearse perfect kills and eat.	Even in rest, the hawk is focused on killing and survival; this line reflects its natural instincts and predatory focus.
The convenience of the high trees!	The hawk benefits from its environment, as “high trees” provide a vantage point for hunting, symbolizing the advantages it holds in its domain.
The air’s buoyancy and the sun’s ray	The hawk values nature’s elements that aid its control, with “buoyancy” and “sun’s ray” enhancing its hunting ability and presence.
Are of advantage to me;	The hawk sees nature as serving its needs, underscoring its sense of superiority and entitlement over the natural world.
And the earth’s face upward for my inspection.	Earth is depicted as submissive to the hawk, lying “upward” to be examined, implying the hawk’s commanding and critical gaze over all.
My feet are locked upon the rough bark.	Physical description of the hawk’s grip, symbolizing strength and stability, reinforcing its dominance and control over its perch and environment.
It took the whole of Creation	The hawk sees itself as a culmination of nature’s efforts, a perfect creature, reflecting arrogance and a god-like view of itself.
To produce my foot, my each feather:	This line emphasizes the hawk’s belief in its superiority, as if nature’s efforts are justified by its own existence, reinforcing its pride.
Now I hold Creation in my foot	The hawk feels it controls all of Creation, symbolizing its power to dominate and impact the natural world as it desires.
Or fly up, and revolve it all slowly –	The hawk’s ability to fly gives it a unique, complete perspective over everything, symbolizing a detached, omnipotent view.
I kill where I please because it is all mine.	Assertive line emphasizing the hawk’s sense of ownership and unchallenged power, as if all life is subject to its whims.
There is no sophistry in my body:	The hawk is straightforward and unapologetic, with no need for deception or diplomacy; it embodies pure instinct and purpose.
My manners are tearing off heads –	The hawk’s “manners” reflect its brutality, showing a prideful acknowledgment of its violent nature and lack of remorse.
The allotment of death.	The hawk views death as its “allotment,” indicating it sees killing as a natural, inevitable part of its existence and role in the ecosystem.
For the one path of my flight is direct	The hawk’s “direct” path symbolizes determination, decisiveness, and an unwavering nature in fulfilling its purpose.
Through the bones of the living.	Violent image suggesting the hawk’s life is sustained by death, underscoring its predatory nature and dominance over other creatures.
No arguments assert my right:	The hawk needs no justification; its actions are instinctual and unquestionable, emphasizing its inherent authority in nature.
The sun is behind me.	“The sun” as a powerful natural force aligns with the hawk, symbolizing that nature itself supports the hawk’s supremacy and unchanging state.
Nothing has changed since I began.	The hawk sees itself as eternal and unchanging, confident in its dominance over time, indicating a static and unchallenged existence.
My eye has permitted no change.	The hawk believes it controls its environment by observation and vigilance, maintaining the status quo through its powerful, watchful presence.
I am going to keep things like this.	Final assertion of the hawk’s intent to preserve its authority and the order it knows, encapsulating its determination to maintain power indefinitely.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes

Literary/Poetic Device	Example	Explanation
Personification	“I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed.”	The hawk is given human-like qualities, including thought and introspection, making it relatable yet highlighting its confident, domineering mindset.
Imagery	“My feet are locked upon the rough bark.”	Vivid imagery evokes a tactile experience, helping the reader visualize the hawk’s strong grip and sense of power over its domain.
Symbolism	The hawk itself	The hawk symbolizes power, control, and perhaps humanity’s darker instincts. It represents an entity at the top of the hierarchy, both in nature and as a metaphor.
Alliteration	“hooked head,” “perfect kills”	The repetition of consonant sounds, particularly “h” and “k,” adds a harsh, assertive tone, emphasizing the hawk’s violent nature.
Metaphor	“I hold Creation in my foot”	The hawk’s foot represents control over nature, portraying its belief that it is the central, dominant force in the world.
Hyperbole	“It took the whole of Creation to produce my foot”	Exaggeration is used to illustrate the hawk’s sense of self-importance and superiority.
Juxtaposition	“Inaction” vs. “perfect kills”	The hawk’s calm stillness is juxtaposed with the violence of killing, showcasing the duality of its nature: calm yet predatory.
Irony	“No sophistry in my body”	The hawk claims there is no “sophistry” in its body, yet it philosophizes about its existence, an ironic contrast between instinct and thought.
Repetition	“hooked head and hooked feet”	The word “hooked” is repeated to emphasize the hawk’s lethal anatomy, reinforcing its predatory nature.
Simile	Implied rather than stated	The hawk’s actions and mindset subtly compare to a powerful ruler or tyrant, showing dominance without an explicit simile.
Tone	Assertive and authoritative	Hughes uses the hawk’s voice to create an assertive tone, allowing it to seem confident, even arrogant, in its power.
Enjambment	“Now I hold Creation in my foot / Or fly up…”	The lines flow without a pause, mirroring the hawk’s fluid, unbroken dominance over its world.
Caesura	“Inaction, no falsifying dream”	The pause within the line emphasizes the hawk’s stillness and the lack of need for anything beyond its own reality.
Apostrophe	Implied address to the audience	The hawk’s monologue seems directed at readers, as though it’s declaring its power to the world, creating an intimate connection.
Connotation	“tearing off heads”	Violent language connotes brutality and lack of empathy, enhancing the reader’s perception of the hawk’s unapologetic nature.
Mood	Dark and ominous	The hawk’s reflections on killing create a dark atmosphere, highlighting themes of predation and power without remorse.
Assonance	“my eye has permitted no change”	The repetition of “i” sounds gives the line a smooth, continuous flow, emphasizing the hawk’s control and steady vigilance.
Paradox	“No arguments assert my right”	The hawk claims it needs no argument to justify its right to kill, paradoxically asserting dominance by denying the need for justification.
Diction	“kill,” “tearing,” “bones of the living”	Hughes’ choice of harsh, violent words reinforces the hawk’s predatory nature and power over life and death.
Oxymoron	“the allotment of death”	Death is presented as an “allotment,” a phrase that combines a natural inevitability with finality, reinforcing the hawk’s sense of authority.

Themes: “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes

1. Power and Control: The theme of power is central to “Hawk Roosting,” with the hawk embodying absolute authority and control over its environment. Hughes uses the hawk as a metaphor for dominance, with lines like “I kill where I please because it is all mine” reflecting the bird’s sense of ownership and unchallenged command. The hawk views the world as existing solely for its benefit, as seen in “the earth’s face upward for my inspection,” suggesting that all of nature submits to its scrutiny. This theme of power serves as a commentary on the natural order and possibly on human leaders who wield authority without question.
2. Instinct and Primal Nature: Hughes explores the theme of instinct, portraying the hawk as a creature driven by raw, primal urges. The hawk’s straightforward declaration, “My manners are tearing off heads,” shows a lack of moral conflict or hesitation, emphasizing its instinctive nature. It kills purely for survival, with no need for justification or remorse. This depiction highlights the unfiltered, unapologetic aspects of the animal kingdom, where survival and predation are not moral choices but biological imperatives.
3. Self-Importance and Arrogance: The hawk in the poem is a figure of intense self-importance, bordering on arrogance, as it considers itself the pinnacle of creation. Lines like “It took the whole of Creation / To produce my foot, my each feather” imply that the hawk views itself as the apex of evolutionary effort, embodying perfection. Its confidence is unshakable, reflected in “Nothing has changed since I began” and “I am going to keep things like this,” suggesting a belief in its own timeless, unalterable power. This self-assuredness comments on the egotism that can arise from power and supremacy.
4. Nature’s Brutality and Indifference: The hawk’s monologue reveals a stark view of nature’s indifference and brutality, untempered by any notion of kindness or mercy. The line “The allotment of death” emphasizes the idea that death is simply a part of life, an unavoidable allocation in the natural order. Similarly, “For the one path of my flight is direct / Through the bones of the living” shows the hawk’s path as inherently destructive, yet devoid of malice—its actions are simply part of the ecological cycle. Hughes thus reflects on nature’s harsh realities, where survival often necessitates brutality, yet this is accepted as part of the balance of life.

Literary Theories and “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes

Literary Theory	Explanation	References from the Poem
Eco-Criticism	Eco-criticism examines literature’s relationship with the environment and nature. Hughes’ portrayal of the hawk explores the brutal, instinctual aspects of the natural world, challenging romanticized views of nature by presenting it as a realm where power and survival dominate.	In “I kill where I please because it is all mine,” the hawk asserts dominance over nature, claiming ownership and rejecting any idealized balance, highlighting eco-critical themes.
Post-Colonial Theory	Through post-colonial theory, the hawk can be viewed as a metaphor for colonial powers, embodying the mindset of domination and entitlement. The hawk’s belief in its right to “hold Creation in my foot” and “inspect” the world below reflects attitudes of superiority and control, often present in colonial discourse.	The line “The earth’s face upward for my inspection” illustrates a colonial gaze, where the hawk treats the environment as its subject, emphasizing dominance over others.
Existentialism	Existentialism focuses on individual experience and the search for meaning, often in an indifferent universe. The hawk’s monologue reveals a self-defined purpose, acting purely on instinct and claiming, “No arguments assert my right.” This reflects existential themes, where meaning is self-created rather than externally justified.	“I am going to keep things like this” suggests a rejection of external change or influence, showing the hawk’s self-imposed authority and existential isolation in its worldview.

Critical Questions about “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes

• How does the hawk’s sense of ownership reflect on humanity’s relationship with power and dominance?
• The hawk’s declaration, “I kill where I please because it is all mine,” conveys a profound sense of ownership and control over its environment. This line raises questions about whether Hughes intended to mirror human attitudes toward power and authority, highlighting the potential arrogance and entitlement that can accompany dominance. By asserting that the earth is for its “inspection,” the hawk embodies an almost imperial view, perceiving the world as existing purely for its own benefit. This prompts readers to reflect on humanity’s own historical and present-day inclinations toward conquest, exploitation, and the unchallenged assertion of control over nature and other beings.
• What does the hawk’s rejection of change say about the nature of power and resistance to progress?
• In the closing lines, the hawk claims, “Nothing has changed since I began. My eye has permitted no change,” expressing a desire to preserve its world as it is. This assertion suggests a resistance to change, which can be interpreted as a comment on how those in power often resist progress to maintain the status quo. Hughes may be critiquing figures or systems of authority that refuse transformation, valuing stability over growth. The hawk’s stance on permanence and unaltered control encourages readers to question the sustainability of power that resists adaptation, as well as the consequences of such rigid perspectives on broader systems.
• How does the hawk’s lack of empathy or moral concern reflect on the inherent brutality within natural and human hierarchies?
• The hawk’s indifferent and unfeeling nature is emphasized in lines like “My manners are tearing off heads,” which unapologetically describes the hawk’s violent behavior as a matter of instinct and survival. This line suggests an absence of moral concern, emphasizing a raw, amoral view of the natural order where strength and predation are not questioned. Hughes’ portrayal prompts reflection on both animal and human hierarchies, highlighting the ways in which power often manifests through violence and domination. This raises questions about whether such predatory behavior is a natural necessity or a critique of the ruthless aspects embedded in human society.
• To what extent is the hawk’s self-importance a reflection of human egotism and our perception of our place in the world?
• The hawk’s belief that “It took the whole of Creation to produce my foot, my each feather” speaks to an intense self-importance, as though it is the culmination of evolutionary effort. This line invites comparisons to human tendencies to view ourselves as the center or purpose of the universe, often assuming a right to dominate other life forms and the environment. Hughes uses the hawk to embody an ego that mirrors humanity’s often inflated sense of self and entitlement to control the world. The poem thus challenges readers to reconsider our own claims of superiority and our impact on the natural world, urging a more humble and responsible approach to our environment and coexistence with other beings.

Literary Works Similar to “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes

1. “The Tyger” by William Blake
   Like “Hawk Roosting,” this poem explores the raw, powerful force of nature embodied in a fierce animal, questioning creation and the presence of divine power in predatory strength.
2. “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
   Shelley’s poem reflects on the themes of power and impermanence, showing how pride and authority ultimately face the eroding effects of time, much like the hawk’s sense of timeless control.
3. “The Eagle” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
   This poem personifies an eagle perched in solitude, mirroring the isolated dominance and lofty perspective that Hughes’s hawk holds over its environment.
4. “Hurt Hawks” by Robinson Jeffers
   Jeffers’ poem delves into the brutal, unforgiving side of nature and the resilience of the hawk, paralleling Hughes’s exploration of animal strength and the inherent violence in natural hierarchies.
5. “The Panther” by Rainer Maria Rilke
   Similar to “Hawk Roosting,” Rilke’s poem conveys the strength and confinement of a powerful creature, reflecting on instinct, captivity, and a life lived through intense observation and unbroken will.

Representative Quotations of “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed.”	The hawk is resting at the peak of a tree, demonstrating complete confidence in its safety.	Eco-criticism: Reflects the hawk’s dominant, natural position within its ecosystem, highlighting its role as an apex predator.
“Inaction, no falsifying dream.”	The hawk is fully present, with no need for delusions, representing pure, undiluted self-awareness.	Existentialism: Emphasizes the hawk’s existential acceptance of its nature and purpose without distractions or fantasies.
“Between my hooked head and hooked feet:”	Focuses on the hawk’s physical form, particularly its deadly features.	Biopolitics: The hawk’s anatomy is tied to its function, showcasing power as naturalized within physical and biological constructs.
“Or in sleep rehearse perfect kills and eat.”	Even in sleep, the hawk’s mind is focused on killing, highlighting its instinctive violence.	Psychoanalysis: Suggests a subconscious fixation on predation, where violence and power are deeply embedded in the hawk’s psyche.
“I hold Creation in my foot.”	The hawk sees itself as holding dominion over all nature, a god-like claim to authority.	Post-Colonial Theory: Reflects colonial attitudes of dominance, with the hawk imposing itself upon nature as a supreme ruler.
“I kill where I please because it is all mine.”	The hawk claims the right to kill freely, viewing the world as its personal domain.	Power Theory: Illustrates an unchallenged, self-granted authority, where power is seen as inherent and absolute.
“There is no sophistry in my body.”	The hawk claims its form is free of deceit, embodying pure, natural function.	Essentialism: The hawk’s lack of “sophistry” suggests that its nature is honest, reflecting an essentialist view of identity.
“My manners are tearing off heads.”	The hawk’s “manners” are brutal and unapologetic, a natural instinct without moral compromise.	Naturalism: Shows nature’s indifferent cruelty, aligning with naturalistic views that life is often violent and morally neutral.
“My eye has permitted no change.”	The hawk sees itself as a constant force, preserving order without alteration.	Conservatism: Reflects resistance to change, a desire to maintain stability and the established hierarchy.
“I am going to keep things like this.”	Final declaration of the hawk’s determination to maintain its power and world order.	Authoritarianism: Shows a self-imposed, rigid control over its environment, suggesting an authoritarian approach to power.

Suggested Readings: “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes

1. BENTLEY, PAUL. “‘Hitler’s Familiar Spirits’: Negative Dialectics in Sylvia Plath’s ‘Daddy’ and Ted Hughes’s ‘Hawk Roosting.’” Critical Survey, vol. 12, no. 3, 2000, pp. 27–38. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41557061. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
2. Herbert Lomas. “The Poetry of Ted Hughes.” The Hudson Review, vol. 40, no. 3, 1987, pp. 409–26. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3851451. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
3. Strauss, P. E. “THE POETRY OF TED HUGHES.” Theoria: A Journal of Social and Political Theory, no. 38, 1972, pp. 45–63. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41803808. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
4. Cox, Brian. “Ted Hughes (1930-1998): A Personal Retrospect.” The Hudson Review, vol. 52, no. 1, 1999, pp. 29–43. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3852570. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
5. Wood, Michael. “We All Hate Home: English Poetry since World War II.” Contemporary Literature, vol. 18, no. 3, 1977, pp. 305–18. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/1208233. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.