"Hawk Roosting" by Ted Hughes
Key Concepts
-
Nihilism: The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless. The hawk embodies a form of "biological nihilism."
-
The Food Chain: The hierarchical series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food.
-
Authoritarianism: The enforcement or advocacy of strict obedience to authority, especially that of a government, at the expense of personal freedom.
Examples & Applications
Arrogance: "The convenience of the high trees!" (As if the trees grew tall just for him).
Directness: "I kill where I please because it is all mine."
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Memory Tools
H.A.W.K.
Memory Tools
Imagine a king who believes the sun shines only to light his throne room. That is the hawk's perspective on the world.
Flash Cards
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.