Analysing 'Hawk Roosting' | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

From whose perspective is Ted Hughes' 'Hawk Roosting' written from?

• the writer

• nature

• the hawk

Answer explanation

In 'Hawk Roosting' we are presented with the hawk's perspective as they consider their place in the wood.

How is the hawk in 'Hawk Roosting' presented in the poem?

• egotistical

• humble

• immoral

Answer explanation

The hawk is presented as very egotistical and conceited throughout the poem.

Which themes are explored in 'Hawk Roosting'?

• nature

• power

• dictatorship

Answer explanation

When to poem was first published in 1960 some readers drew parallels between the hawk and dictators like Hitler. However, this was never Hughes' intention; instead he wanted to explore the natural world.

Which of these are examples of first person pronouns?

• he/she/they

• I/me/my

• you/your

Answer explanation

In 'Hawk Roosting' we see from the hawk's perspective so it is written using first person pronouns.

If something or someone is 'amoral' this means they are ...

• concerned with doing wrong things only.

• concerned with the rightness or wrongness of something.

• unconcerned with the rightness or wrongness of something.

Answer explanation

The hawk in the poem can be described as 'amoral' because he only kills as it's instinct to him. He doesn't take any pleasure from killing so wouldn't be considered immoral or evil.

Which word from 'Hawk Roosting' suggests the hawk sees himself as powerful?

• "buoyancy"

• "perfect"

• "sophistry"

Answer explanation

The hawk describes his killing of animals as "perfect" showing his skill and power as the top predator in the wood.