Hawk Roosting by Ted Hughes
"Hawk Roosting" is a masterclass in poetic exploration of nature's raw power and the inherent instincts that drive it.
Ted Hughes
Edward James Hughes (1930–1998), better known as Ted Hughes, was one of the most influential British poets of the 20th century. Born in Mytholmroyd, Yorkshire, he grew up close to nature, which significantly influenced his poetry. He studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he first started writing poems. Hughes is often remembered for his tumultuous marriage to American poet Sylvia Plath, whose tragic death shadowed his reputation. He faced criticism from those who believed he was responsible for Plath's emotional distress.
Throughout his career, Hughes was lauded for his rich, evocative language and deep engagement with nature, mythology, and the human relationship with the natural world. His works, like "The Hawk in the Rain" and "Crow", are testimonies to this profound connection with nature. His style is characterised by intense imagery, powerful descriptions, and a direct, sometimes brutal tone.
The contextual background of the Poem
"Hawk Roosting" is part of Ted Hughes's collection titled "Lupercal," published in 1960. This period was significant in Hughes's life, reflecting his growing fascination with the relationship between humans and nature. The poem itself encapsulates Hughes's recurring theme of the raw power and primacy of nature, detached from human morality and judgement.
It's noteworthy that the 1960s were a time of change and upheaval, both socially and politically. While Hughes doesn’t make explicit references to these changes, the poem's portrayal of power, dominance, and authority can be interpreted as a reflection on the broader sociopolitical context. The hawk serves as a potent emblem of unapologetic power and superiority, undisturbed by human ideals of righteousness or morality.
Explanation
"Hawk Roosting" is written from the perspective of a hawk, offering readers an insight into its worldview. This anthropomorphic approach allows Hughes to delve deep into the psyche of the hawk, revealing its inherent instincts and character.
Opening Lines: The hawk introduces itself as sitting atop a high tree, surveying its dominion. The "closed eye" and "hooked head" imagery suggest contemplation and readiness. It's clear that the hawk is both a thinker and a predator.
Nature's Design: The hawk speaks of the convenience of trees and air for its advantage, suggesting nature's design works in its favour. There's an inherent arrogance, as the hawk sees itself as the zenith of creation. This is further emphasised by the statement, "It took the whole of Creation / To produce my foot, my each feather."
Dominance: The hawk expresses its authority by stating that its life is free from distraction. Its world is a loop of killing and eating, emphasising the hawk's primeval nature. The words "Now I hold Creation in my foot" signify its dominance and control over its environment.
Meditation: The hawk's vision is unwavering. It's mentioned to be unmoving, staring at the world from its high perch. This symbolises its singular focus on its own existence and power.
Nature's Cycle: The hawk acknowledges its role in the circle of life. It talks about the sun's rising behind it, symbolising nature's backing to its actions. It's part of a system, and its actions, no matter how brutal, are a necessary element of that system.
God-Like Authority: In the lines, "I am going to keep things like this," the hawk seems to assume an almost god-like role, deciding the fate of its world.
Overall, Hughes paints a vivid picture of the hawk as a being of immense power, self-assurance, and purpose. It's not burdened by morality or doubt, acting purely on its instincts.
Analysis of Important Themes
Nature’s Brutality: Unlike many poets who romanticise nature, Hughes presents it in its raw, unfiltered form. The hawk's perspective underscores nature's inherent brutality and dominance. Nature is neither kind nor cruel; it simply is.
Power and Dominance: The hawk embodies power and dominance. Its view of the world is hierarchical, with itself at the pinnacle. This can also be seen as a critique of human society, where power often dictates actions without any moral compass.
Existential Meditation: The hawk’s monologue offers a deep introspection into existence. It's a reflection on life, purpose, and one's role in the grand scheme of things. The hawk sees its existence as the culmination of creation, echoing existential themes.
Moral Ambiguity: The poem prompts readers to question morality. The hawk's actions, while brutal, are natural. This blurs the lines between right and wrong, asking whether morality is a purely human construct and if nature operates beyond it.
Literary devices
Personification: The hawk, an animal, is given human-like thoughts and a voice to express them. This anthropomorphism allows for deeper introspection and connection with the reader.
Imagery: Hughes employs rich imagery like "hooked head" and "feet locking" to create a vivid portrayal of the hawk's physicality and its environment.
Metaphor: The hawk is a metaphor for raw, unapologetic power and dominance. It can also be viewed as a representation of nature's unforgiving force.
Alliteration: Phrases like "feet locking" and "high trees" provide a rhythmic quality, emphasising the hawk's majestic and dominant presence.
Conclusion
"Hawk Roosting" is a masterclass in poetic exploration of nature's raw power and the inherent instincts that drive it. By giving voice to the hawk, Hughes challenges traditional notions of morality and power dynamics. The poem serves as a mirror, reflecting not just the world of the hawk, but potentially the human world as well. In its lines, readers confront the blurred lines between morality and necessity, and the nature of power and dominance.
Hughes's talent lies in his ability to transport readers into the mind of the hawk, making them grapple with complex themes while being grounded in the tangible reality of nature. It's a stark reminder of our place in the natural order and a prompt to reflect on our own actions, motivations, and existence. Whether viewed as a meditation on nature, an exploration of power, or a critique of human behaviour, "Hawk Roosting" remains a timeless piece of literature, urging introspection and reflection.
Written by Pooran Chandra