Key learning points

1. Hughes' poem takes the form of a dramatic monolgue from the perspective of the hawk.
2. The hawk is presented as omniscient and omnipotent because he appears to know everything and see everything.
3. The hawk arguably views himself as a God-like figure in the poem, who controls life and death in the wood.
4. The hawk is presented as an articulate speaker, highlighting that his power is more than just physical.
5. Hughes uses personal pronouns, perhaps to show that the hawk’s only interest is his own survival - he is amoral.

Keywords

• Omniscient - all-seeing - knowing everything

• Omnipotent - all-powerful - having unlimited power

• Dramatic monologue - a poem written from the perspective of one character

• Amoral - lacking a sense of morality - having no regard for right or wrong

• Regime - an ordered way of doing things

Common misconception