Write a well-organized essay in which you argue how Hughes uses the hawk's perspective — including diction, tone, imagery, and structure — to critique or celebrate (or both) the nature of unchecked power and dominance.

Your essay should:

• Present a clear, defensible thesis that articulates what Hughes's depiction of the hawk ultimately conveys about power.
• Incorporate specific textual evidence (quotations and paraphrases) from the poem to bolster your argument.
• Analyze how at least two literary or poetic devices enhance the poem's central meaning.
• Explore whether the hawk is intended to be admired, condemned, or viewed as morally ambiguous, and support your interpretation.

In your essay, be sure to

• Develop a clear, arguable thesis that goes beyond merely summarizing the plot
• Analyze at least three specific literary techniques and their effects
• Use close textual evidence (direct quotations) to back up each point
• Consider the dramatic monologue form and how it influences the reader's connection with the speaker
• Address the poem's ambiguity: is the hawk entirely villainous, or does Hughes encourage a more nuanced interpretation?

Suggested Approach

> "I kill where I please because it is all mine." — Ted Hughes, Hawk Roosting

• Introduction — Introduce the poem, speaker, and form; present your thesis
• Body Paragraph 1 — Diction and tone: how word choice shapes the hawk's voice of absolute certainty
• Body Paragraph 2 — Imagery and the natural world: how Hughes blurs the distinction between nature and tyranny
• Body Paragraph 3 — Structure and syntax: how the controlled, declarative sentences reflect the hawk's worldview
• Conclusion — Reflect on what the poem ultimately conveys about power, nature, and human behavior