Imagery and metaphors

The poem “Hawk Roosting” by Ted Hughes makes it easy for the reader to identify imagery and metaphors.

Similes and comparisons

As we have mentioned before, there is a similarity between the hawk and mankind. The similarity is hinted at, not expressed directly. The use of the words “feet” and “foot” show the comparison of the hawk with man:

“My feet are locked upon the rough bark.
It took the whole of Creation
To produce my foot, my each feather:
How I hold Creation in my foot.” (p. 151, ll. 11-14)

Metaphors

One particular metaphor that captures our attention is “Creation” (p. 151, l. 12). In a way, the hawk compares itself with God: “… I hold Creation in my foot.” (p. 151, l. 14)

Notice how the final verse of the third stanza can be interpreted in two different ways. On the one hand, the hawk may admit that its complexity is due to a higher power, w...