NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English (Woven Words) Poetry 7 Hawk Roosting

Class : 11th

Subject : English

Chapter : 7(Poetry)

Chapter Name : Hawk Roosting

Q1 Comment on the physical features of the hawk highlighted in the poem and their
significance.

During his sleep to he is aware of his surroundings and his prey. God did his work by creating
him now he operates himself.

Q2 How does the poem emphasize the physical prowess of the hawk?

Answer. Hughes’ “Hawk Roosting” portrays the self-authoritative personality of the hawk who is
in a crisis still questions the god his own creator. The arrogance of the hawk is exposed in its
dogmatic assertion of its ferocity and superiority. It tells of “perfect kills and eats”, signifying its
thirst for violent power. It even denies God’s power and tries to establish itself as the only
container of power and control. It enjoys the absolute right to kill itself where it pleases, thereby
positioning itself as the victorious holder of authority. He mentions the sun, to evoke the idea
that even the sun follows it all throughout. It talks of its eyes as a constant presence that
“haven’t permitted no change” and which it plans to keep rigid.