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Gerard Manley Hopkins was a Victorian poet known for his innovative sprung rhythm and intense imagery. A Jesuit priest, his works include 'The Windhover' and 'Pied Beauty'. Despite his struggle with depression and the 'Terrible Sonnets', his posthumous fame grew, influencing modern poetry.
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Hopkins was raised in a family that valued the arts and religious devotion, which greatly influenced his future poetic endeavors
Highgate School and Balliol College
Hopkins received his early education at Highgate School and honed his poetic craft at Balliol College, where he also underwent a significant religious transformation
Conversion to Catholicism
Hopkins converted to Catholicism during his time at Oxford, a decision that would greatly impact his life and work
Entrance into the Society of Jesus
Hopkins joined the Jesuit order, committing to the principles of poverty, chastity, and obedience
Hopkins's poetic voice was reignited during his theological studies, leading to some of his most enduring works
Hopkins's poetry is characterized by its intense imagery, linguistic creativity, and use of sprung rhythm
Nature and Divine Presence
Hopkins's work often delves into the beauty and majesty of nature and the presence of the divine within it
Religious Faith and Philosophy
Hopkins's poems reflect his deep religious faith and draw philosophical influence from thinkers such as John Duns Scotus
Melancholy and Despair
In his later works, Hopkins explores themes of melancholy and despair, expressing his personal struggles with depression
"The Windhover," "Pied Beauty," and "Binsey Poplars" are some of Hopkins's most celebrated poems, showcasing his unique style and themes
In his final years, Hopkins battled with depression, leading to the composition of his "Terrible Sonnets."
Hopkins's literary genius was largely unrecognized during his lifetime, but his friend Robert Bridges published a collection of his works posthumously, leading to his eventual acclaim as a forerunner of Modernist poetry
Hopkins's innovative approach to poetry continues to inspire writers and scholars, solidifying his place as a pivotal figure in the study of literature
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Birthdate and place of Gerard Manley Hopkins
Born July 28, 1844, in Stratford, Essex.
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Parents' background and influence on Hopkins
Parents were High Church Anglicans; father was a poet; family valued arts and religion.
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Hopkins's education before Oxford
Attended Highgate School; developed early artistic and poetic skills.
