Hawk Roosting Objectives: To understand the poem ‘Hawk Roosting’ To analyse and evaluate statements about the poem. Starter: Look at the pictures of hawks. What are your initial impressions/feelings?

Hawks Hawk is a common name for some birds of prey, widely distributed and varying greatly in size. In February 2005, the Canadian ornithologist Louis Lefebvre announced a method of measuring avian "IQ" in terms of their innovation in feeding habits. Hawks were named among the most intelligent birds based on his scale. Hawks are widely reputed to have visual acuity several times that of a normal human being. Hawks have always been known to have sharp vision and very able and adequate hunters. Even though the hawk is known for being a violent predator, the bird is actually on the peaceful side.

Metaphorically speaking War hawks War doves

Read the poem Write a list of the words that you do not know and find the definitions. Write a summary of what happens in the poem. Evaluate: how does the poem make you feel? Why? Think about the vocabulary used and the tone.

Some people think that Hughes is: Praising the bird, its single-minded determination and its freedom. Neutral about the bird, and just describing it objectively. Using the bird as a metaphor for the extreme state of mind of a potential human killer. Using the bird as a metaphor for the power of nature as a force. Exploring dictatorship and the mindset that drives the dictator.

Group work Ensure that you understand the statement. Find quotes to support your statement and analyse them. Find the counterargument to your statement. Can you find any evidence for this? If so, analyse this. Evaluate whether you believe that Hughes was trying to make this statement in the poem. Be prepared to present this information back to the class.

Judge I think that Hughes is most likely to have wanted to …. because… However, I also support that statement that … because … I do not agree with the view that …