Gerard Manley Hopkins

Date of Birth: July 28, 1844

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: June 8, 1889

Biography

Gerard Manley Hopkins was an English poet and Jesuit priest, whose posthumous fame established him among the leading Victorian poets. Born on July 28, 1844, in Stratford, Essex, England, Hopkins was the eldest of nine children. He attended Highgate School and later, Balliol College, Oxford, where he became close friends with fellow poet Robert Bridges. Hopkins converted to Catholicism in 1866 under the influence of John Henry Newman and joined the Jesuit order in 1868. Hopkins’ poetry is renowned for its innovative use of language and prosody, particularly his development of “sprung rhythm,” a metrical system that contrasts with traditional accentual-syllabic verse. His work often explores themes of nature, religion, and the individual’s relationship with God. Despite his talent, Hopkins published very little during his lifetime, largely because his religious vocation took precedence over his literary ambitions. After his death on June 8, 1889, from typhoid fever, Hopkins’ poetry was championed by his friend Robert Bridges, who was then the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. Bridges’ efforts led to the publication of Hopkins’ work, which gained significant acclaim in the 20th century.

5 Interesting Facts about Gerard Manley Hopkins

1. Gerard Manley Hopkins’ most famous works include “The Windhover,” “Pied Beauty,” and “God’s Grandeur.”

2. Hopkins’ development of “sprung rhythm” was a radical departure from the traditional metric forms of his time.

3. He burned many of his early poems upon joining the Jesuit order, believing they were incompatible with his religious vocation.

4. Hopkins was a talented artist and often illustrated his own poems with detailed, nature-inspired drawings.

5. His work was largely unknown during his lifetime but gained significant recognition and influence in the 20th century, especially among Modernist poets.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gerard Manley Hopkins

1. “What would the world be, once bereft of wet and of wildness? Let them be left, O let them be left, wildness and wet; Long live the weeds and the wilderness yet.”

2. “The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil.”

3. “I am gall, I am heartburn. God’s most deep decree bitter would have me taste: my taste was me.”

4. “Glory be to God for dappled things – For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow.”

5. “My own heart let me more have pity on; let me live to my sad self hereafter kind.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Gerard Manley Hopkins did not achieve significant financial success or wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth is not documented, and he lived modestly as a Jesuit priest.