Describe “The Windhover” as a sonnet.
The Windhover is a notable literary work by Gerard Manley Hopkins. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Windhover.
Answer
Describe “The Windhover” as a sonnet.
A sonnet is a 14-line lyric poem. G. M. Hopkins’ (1844-1889) “The Windhover” (1887) is a Petrarchan (Italian) sonnet. It has 14 lines, which can be divided into two parts: octave and sestet. The first eight lines are called an octave, and the last six lines are called a sestet.
In a typical sonnet, the octave presents or describes something. In the sestet, we find a deeper meaning or the solution to a problem. We find this pattern in “The Windhover,” too.
The Octave: This part describes the windhover (a type of falcon bird) flying in the sky. Hopkins uses amazing, powerful words to show the bird’s beauty. He shows the bird’s strength as it rides the wind and dives. He writes:
…Morning’s minion, king-
dom of daylight’s dauphin…”
He calls it “dauphin” (like a prince) and favorite of the morning. This shows the windhover is very special and majestic. The poet feels wonder watching it.
The Sestet: The poem shifts to talk about Jesus Christ in this part. The bird’s stunning flight is like a sign pointing towards God’s glory. The windhover is an example of the beauty and majesty of God’s creation. Hopkins says Christ is more powerful, beautiful, and bright. We can find God’s fire even in ordinary simple things.
Rhythm/Rhyme Scheme: A sonnet maintains a rhyme scheme or a musical rhythm. In “The Windhover,” Hopkins’ rhythm is unusual. He uses his special “sprung rhythm” in this poem, which is bouncy, energetic, and lively. This style helps to show the energy of the falcon’s flight.
In short, “The Windhover” is a sonnet with octave and sestet. Hopkins uses this form to show the beauty of the falcon and to connect it with God’s glory. The poem shows how something beautiful in nature can make us think about God.