Analysing how Hughes presents the power of nature in 'Hawk Roosting'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Hughes uses language, form and structure to present the power of nature.
Key learning points
- Hughes' poem takes the form of a dramatic monolgue from the perspective of the hawk.
- The hawk is presented as omniscient and omnipotent because he appears to know everything and see everything.
- The hawk arguably views himself as a God-like figure in the poem, who controls life and death in the wood.
- The hawk is presented as an articulate speaker, highlighting that his power is more than just physical.
- 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
Students recognise that the hawk is powerful and don't explore this any further.
The significant question in the poem is arguably what makes the hawk powerful? Is it nature? Instinct? His physical strength? His intelligence?
Teacher tip
During practice Task A you might want to model some of the annotation with your students to support their practice of this key skill. You could use a visualiser or display the stanza on the board.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Eduqas poetry anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.From whose perspective is Ted Hughes' 'Hawk Roosting' written from?
Q2.How is the hawk in 'Hawk Roosting' presented in the poem?
Q3.Which themes are explored in 'Hawk Roosting'?
Q4.Which of these are examples of first person pronouns?
Q5.If something or someone is 'amoral' this means they are ...
Q6.Which word from 'Hawk Roosting' suggests the hawk sees himself as powerful?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords with their definitions.
all-seeing - knowing everything
all-powerful - having unlimited power
having no regard for right or wrong
an ordered way of doing things
Q2.How does the hawk view himself in the poem 'Hawk Roosting'?
Q3.In 'Hawk Roosting' the hawks believes he controls __________ and __________ in the wood.
Q4.Which sentence uses 'omnipotent' correctly and would work best as a topic sentence?
Q5.Hawk Roosting' is written as a ...
Q6.Arguably, the hawk in 'Hawk Roosting' is acting based on instinct. He doesn't take pleasure from killing; he's interested in his own ...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing 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 10 English lesson on: Analysing 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Poetry anthology (Assessment until summer 2026) unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.