Gerard Manley Hopkins
Contents Page #
I. Introduction 1 II. Biography 1 III. Poem #1 “God’s Grandeur” 3 IV. Poem #2 “Binsey Poplars” 4 V. Reputation and Critical Reception 5 VI. Conclusion 6
I. Introduction
Bridging the distance between nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poetry is of great significance. As often the case with innovators and artists who are ahead of their times, Gerard Manley Hopkins was torn by contradictions and his poems regarded as unconventional for the historical period. His works are specifically marked by the varied use of linguistic features and rhythmic patterns which did not match the traditional writing styles of the nineteenth century. Hopkins uses what he terms ‘sprung rhythm,’ a form which draws on alliteration, onomatopoeia and imagery, to name but a few. These rhythmic patterns give his works an outstanding and remarkable quality in the sense that he offers the reader to enjoy and take pleasure in wordplay and rhythm. What is more, his works also possess a deep meaning in terms of how the poet views the beauty of the natural world. Being torn by intricate contradictions, Gerard Manley Hopkins also expresses strong and passionate emotions with the help of his poetry, making it one of the most prominent and drawing samples of English verse.
The aim of this report is to provide Hopkins’ biography, a summary and an analysis of some of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ works. In order to do so, the report will first examine the poet’s background by examining significant events from his life, as well as important influences on his work. The report will then move on to analyse two of Hopkins’ poems, ‘God’s Grandeur’ and ‘Binsey Poplars.’ Finally, an attempt to review how the poet’s appreciation and reputation have changed over time will be made. In addition, this report has a conclusion that indicates a summary of appreciation and what I have learned
I. Introduction 1 II. Biography 1 III. Poem #1 “God’s Grandeur” 3 IV. Poem #2 “Binsey Poplars” 4 V. Reputation and Critical Reception 5 VI. Conclusion 6
I. Introduction
Bridging the distance between nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poetry is of great significance. As often the case with innovators and artists who are ahead of their times, Gerard Manley Hopkins was torn by contradictions and his poems regarded as unconventional for the historical period. His works are specifically marked by the varied use of linguistic features and rhythmic patterns which did not match the traditional writing styles of the nineteenth century. Hopkins uses what he terms ‘sprung rhythm,’ a form which draws on alliteration, onomatopoeia and imagery, to name but a few. These rhythmic patterns give his works an outstanding and remarkable quality in the sense that he offers the reader to enjoy and take pleasure in wordplay and rhythm. What is more, his works also possess a deep meaning in terms of how the poet views the beauty of the natural world. Being torn by intricate contradictions, Gerard Manley Hopkins also expresses strong and passionate emotions with the help of his poetry, making it one of the most prominent and drawing samples of English verse.
The aim of this report is to provide Hopkins’ biography, a summary and an analysis of some of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ works. In order to do so, the report will first examine the poet’s background by examining significant events from his life, as well as important influences on his work. The report will then move on to analyse two of Hopkins’ poems, ‘God’s Grandeur’ and ‘Binsey Poplars.’ Finally, an attempt to review how the poet’s appreciation and reputation have changed over time will be made. In addition, this report has a conclusion that indicates a summary of appreciation and what I have learned
Cited: Bender, Todd K. Gerard Manley Hopkins: the classical background and critical reception of his work. Baltimore: John Hopkins Press, 1966. Dilligan, Robert J. A concordance to the English poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1970. Gardner, W Hopkins, Gerard Manley. God’s Grandeur. 1877. Hopkins, Gerard Manley. Binsey Poplars. 1879. McMillan, Roy Mellown, Elgin W. “The Reception of Gerard Manley Hopkins 's Poems.” Modern Philology 63.1 (1965): 38-51. The University of Chicago Press. Poetry Foundation. “Gerard Manley Hopkins.” PoetryFoundation.org, Web. 20 Apr. 2012 <http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/gerard-manley-hopkins>.