Understanding how Hughes presents the power of nature in 'Hawk Roosting'
I can explain how Hughes presents the power of nature.
Understanding how Hughes presents the power of nature in 'Hawk Roosting'
I can explain how Hughes presents the power of nature.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The poem is written from the perspective of a drowsy hawk, who muses on his life as a predator.
- The hawk’s voice is characterised as egotistical and conceited; he revels in the power that nature has allowed him.
- The poem explores the instinctive savagery and violence of nature; the hawk is therefore amoral.
- The poem was published in 1960, and many people thought that the hawk may be a metaphor for fascist dictators.
- Hughes stated that he wanted to explore the power and complexity of nature through this poem.
Keywords
Conceited - extremely arrogant and self-absorbed
Egotistical - self-centred and self-absorbed
To revel - to take immense pleasure and satisfaction in something
Hierarchy - a system of ranking people or things based on how much power they have
Instinct - a pattern or style of behaviour that we are born with - it is programmed into us
Common misconception
Students think that Hughes wrote this poem about fascist dictators like Hitler.
Hughes stated that this was not his intention. Though the poem can be interpreted in this way, this was not what Hughes set out to convey - he wanted to convey the power of nature.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding how Hughes presents the power of nature in 'Hawk Roosting', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding how Hughes presents the power of nature in 'Hawk Roosting', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Poetry anthology unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Eduqas poetry anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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