Comment on the Romantic Elements in Hopkins’ Poems

Answer

Comment on the romantic elements in Hopkins’ poems you have read.

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844 – 1889) was a famous Victorian poet and Jesuit priest. He infused his works with rich romantic elements that celebrated nature, emotions, and spirituality. His poetry stands out due to its unique blend of Romantic ideals and his deep religious faith. It creates an intricate tapestry of beauty and devotion.

Nature as a Divine Creation: Hopkins views nature as a manifestation of divine beauty. His poems often reflect a profound appreciation for the natural world. In “Pied Beauty,” he praises the diversity and splendour of nature. The poem’s opening line showcases his reverence for the world’s varied and intricate designs.

Glory be to God for dappled things,

By attributing these wonders to God’s creation, Hopkins elevates nature to a divine status, a core aspect of Romanticism.

Emotional Depth and Spirituality: Romanticism is characterised by intense emotion and personal reflection, and Hopkins’ poetry is no exception. His works frequently explore his internal struggles, joys, and sorrows. In “The Windhover,” he describes the awe-inspiring sight of a falcon in flight.

High there, how he rung upon the rein of a wimpling wing

Hopkins uses Falcon as a metaphor for spiritual bliss and divine power. The poem’s passionate language and vivid imagery convey the poet’s deep emotional response to the sight. He links the natural world with profound spiritual experiences.

Innovative Language and Imagery: Hopkins’ use of language is another romantic element in his poetry. He developed a unique “sprung rhythm” style. He mimics natural speech patterns and adds a musical quality to his verses. This innovative approach allows him to capture Romantic poetry’s spontaneity and emotional intensity. 

The Fusion of Romanticism and Religion: A distinct feature of Hopkins’ poetry is the seamless fusion of Romantic elements with his deep religious beliefs. His works often reflect his Jesuit faith. He portrays a world where God’s presence is felt in every aspect of life. In “The Starlight Night,” Hopkins combines a romantic appreciation of the night sky with spiritual longing. He invites readers to 

Look at the stars! look, look up at the skies! 

This blending of natural beauty with spiritual aspiration exemplifies how Hopkins’ poetry exceeds traditional Romantic themes.

Declaration of God’s Glorification by All Things: Gerard Manley Hopkins declares God’s glorification without any media. The poet covers a wide range of things to illustrate the pied beauty of the world, which bears the sign of God’s glory. The poet mentions skies of couple-colour, the trout with their rose-coloured skin spotted with black, fallen chestnuts revealing the reddish-brown nut, finches’ wings, the landscape which looks like a patchwork, and all trades. He also mentions the things which are opposite in nature to the declaration of God’s glorification. The poet says:

For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;

For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;

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And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim.

In conclusion, Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poetry is a testament to the enduring power of Romanticism. His works blend a deep appreciation for nature, emotional depth, innovative language, and spiritual insight. By infusing his verses with these elements, Hopkins creates a rich and evocative body of work that continues to resonate with readers. His ability to combine Romantic ideals with religious themes sets him apart as a unique and influential voice in Victorian poetry.