NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 7

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 7 Hawk Roosting – complete answers & explanations 

This NCERT solutions blog for Class 11 English Chapter 7 Hawk Roosting is designed to help students understand the poem in a clear, structured, and exam-oriented way. Written by Ted Hughes, the poem presents a dramatic monologue of a hawk that symbolises power, dominance, and absolute authority. The poem explores themes of pride, control, violence, and the instinct for supremacy. These solutions strictly follow the latest NCERT textbook (Woven Words) and present answers in the exact order of the exercises without adding or omitting any question.

What this NCERT chapter covers? 

1. Physical features and strength of the hawk 
2. The hawk’s sense of power and superiority 
3. The meaning of key phrases like “air’s buoyancy” and “no sophistry in my body” 
4. The theme of authority and invincibility 
5. The significance of the title 
6. Parallels between animal instinct and human behaviour 
7. Vocabulary related to birds and descriptive adjectives 

How to use these NCERT solutions? 

1. Read the poem carefully and identify the speaker (the hawk) 
2. Understand that the poem is written as a dramatic monologue 
3. Analyse symbols such as the sun, Creation, and flight 
4. Try writing answers in your own words before checking 
5. Revise key lines that show dominance and authority 

Important tips & tricks for students 

1. Focus on tone — the hawk speaks with arrogance and certainty 
2. Quote short phrases to support your answers 
3. Understand symbolic meanings rather than reading literally 
4. Practice 4–5 point structured answers for long questions 
5. Revise themes like power, control, and dictatorship 

 Solutions – Complete Answer Key 

Notice the use of the following phrases in the poem and guess what they mean in the context 

air’s buoyancy – The supporting force of air that helps the hawk to fly effortlessly and remain suspended at great heights. 

sophistry in my body – Cunning argument or deception; the hawk means it is straightforward and brutal, without hypocrisy. 

UNDERSTANDING THE POEM 

1. Comment on the physical features of the hawk highlighted in the poem and their significance. 

The hawk has hooked head and hooked feet, strong claws locked on rough bark, powerful wings, and sharp eyes. These features emphasise its strength, control, and predatory nature. They symbolise power and authority. 

2. How does the poem emphasise the physical prowess of the hawk? 

The hawk sits at the top of tall trees, controls the air with ease, and claims that Creation produced its perfect body. It flies directly “through the bones of the living” and kills wherever it pleases. These images highlight its physical dominance and confidence. 

3. ‘There is no sophistry in my body’—this statement expresses the brutal frankness of the hawk. Does the poet suggest something through this statement? 

Yes, the poet suggests that power operates without justification or moral reasoning. The hawk does not argue or defend its right; it simply asserts it. This can symbolise dictators or authoritarian rulers who rely on strength rather than logic. 

4. ‘Now I hold Creation in my foot’—explain the centrality of this assertion in the poem. What makes the hawk’s assertion of its invincibility so categorical? 

This line shows the hawk’s belief that it controls the world. It feels superior because everything exists for its benefit. The categorical tone comes from its absolute confidence, absence of doubt, and repeated declarations of power and control. 

5. Why is the poem entitled ‘Hawk Roosting’? 

The title suggests the hawk sitting calmly on a tree branch. However, during this quiet moment, it reflects on its power and dominance. The title highlights the contrast between stillness and aggressive thoughts of control. 

6. Bring out the parallel suggested between the predatory instincts of the bird and human behaviour. 

The hawk’s pride, authority, and violent control mirror human dictators and rulers who dominate others without moral concern. The poem suggests that unchecked power can lead to cruelty and oppression. 

TRY THIS OUT 

1. Consult a dictionary or an encyclopedia to differentiate between the following birds 

Eagle – A large bird of prey with broad wings, strong beak, and powerful talons; known for sharp vision. 

Hawk – A medium-sized bird of prey with hooked beak and sharp talons; agile and swift hunter. 

Kite – A bird of prey with long wings and a forked tail; often seen gliding in the sky. 

Vulture – A large scavenging bird with a bald head; feeds mainly on dead animals. 

2. To what aspects of human behaviour do the following adjectives apply 

eagle-eyed – A person who has very sharp observation and quick perception. 

hawkish – A person who is aggressive, war-like, or strongly in favour of conflict or strict action. 

SUGGESTED READING 

1. ‘The Lake’ by Ted Hughes 
2. ‘Poem in October’ by Dylan Thomas 

Why NCERT solutions help students? 

NCERT solutions help students develop deeper literary understanding, improve analytical skills, and prepare confidently for CBSE examinations. Structured and NCERT-aligned answers ensure clarity, accuracy, and better exam performance. 

Build strong analytical skills and master poetry with expert-guided NCERT solutions.