Commentary On Hawk Roosting and The Author Essay Example for Free

Commentary On Hawk Roosting and The Author Essay The poem Hawk Roosting demonstrates the predator and prey process through the extensive use of metaphors and personification. The hawk is portrayed as a ruthless predator who surveys its surrounding in search for its meal. At the same time, the hawk is personified as a ruler and creator who possess a great deal of wisdom [W1]and strength. This brings out the subject of the poem that the hawk is an idealistic [W2]and arrogant creature, suggesting that is Hughes is trying to challenges our perspective of being a human. As humans, many of us believe that we are the supreme beings in the entire world, that this world was created by God solely for us, that we are imbued with the ultimate task of looking after the world. This is ironic by the fact that the roosting hawk is looking down on us here, fully convinced that the world is his for the picking and yet ignorant of the fact that a higher authority exists. While the seat of our intellect is innately the hawks tearing of heads, we pride ourselves on our sophistry and manners'[W3]. Furthermore, the hawk also states that we live in the myth of progress, that history is cyclical, as seen in nothing has changed since I began[W4]. This leads to consider an unanswered question of life: Are we the only ones running the show?[W5] An in depth analysis reveals that the author chose to write the poem in a monologue 6 quatrains structure, each resembling a monologue[W6]. Stanza 1 shows that the hawk believes that he is natures most deadly and perfected creature. Stanza 2 shows that the hawk possesses the arrogance of a king. Stanza 3 emphasizes the complexity and uniqueness of the hawk. Stanza 4 shows the hawk doesnt have good manners. Stanza 5 suggests the hawk wields unquestionable authority over ones[W7] fate. Stanza 6 shows the hawk exercising power over his regime. In stanza 1, the hawk is napping. While weaker birds are always on their guard and are alert, the hawk sleeps without worrying about being threatened. Through the use of personification, the hawk is given human characteristics. As[W8] the hawk can speak in poem, [W9]we are given the opportunity to experience the hawks world through its eyes. In line 4, the hawk makes reference to his killing ability- perfect kills, prominently highlighting the arrogance of the hawk. In stanza 2, the hawks arrogance is even more stressed. The hawk perceives his surroundings as his submissive servant[W10]. The high trees were exclusively created for its convenience; the airs buoyancy provides greater lift; the sunrays [W11]shines light onto its meal[W12]. In stanza 3, the hawk portrays itself as an authority above god. This is seen in line 12, Now I hold Creation in my foot. Making the point that it has surpassed its creator and now assumes the responsibility of creation. In stanza 4, the hawk attempts to show off its authority. This is seen in I kill where I please because it is all mine. The hawk makes openly reveals its uncompromising and ruthless way of killing. tearing off heads. It shows that the hawk is free of social obligations and does not have to be polite in its mannerisms.