cquerin: You are correct! However, I would point out that the reason that the poem is difficult to read aloud is the reason for its success: the alliteration, assonance, sprung rhythm, euphony, cacophony (just to cite a few of Hopkins' devices) combine to reinforce meaning as the argument (theme) of the poem is developed through Hopkins' subtle manipulation of those devices. As I tell students, just as computer programmers and chess players (to cite a couple of examples) delight in confronting the challenges involved in making meaning/success within tightly structured rules, so does Hopkins take on and delight in the tightly structured rules of poetry.
And, Frank, thanks for highlighting one of the world's most important poets. I wish more people would read Hopkins. To read Hopkins (well) is an important step in a person's further understanding of poetry and--if the mind and soul remain open--a deeper understanding of the immense significance of religious faith (even in the face of personal misgivings and daily challenges).
Hopkins and George Herbert are both under-rated as poets. I think Hopkins has been very influential, even if it's not possible to imitate him. Lots of poets since he's been "rediscovered" find his music to be compelling, and worthy of study.
I once set a shorter (I believe unfinished?) sonnet of Hopkins to music, voice and chamber orchestra; it was a real challenge, but actually his poems are so musical to begin with, the real challenges were not about setting the words, but about finding the right musical halo in which to place them. (It was "The times are nightfall....")
Ah, my dear, one of the best poems ever written. And one of the hardest (though most rewarding if you can get it right) to read aloud.
ReplyDeletecquerin: You are correct! However, I would point out that the reason that the poem is difficult to read aloud is the reason for its success: the alliteration, assonance, sprung rhythm, euphony, cacophony (just to cite a few of Hopkins' devices) combine to reinforce meaning as the argument (theme) of the poem is developed through Hopkins' subtle manipulation of those devices. As I tell students, just as computer programmers and chess players (to cite a couple of examples) delight in confronting the challenges involved in making meaning/success within tightly structured rules, so does Hopkins take on and delight in the tightly structured rules of poetry.
ReplyDeleteAnd, Frank, thanks for highlighting one of the world's most important poets. I wish more people would read Hopkins. To read Hopkins (well) is an important step in a person's further understanding of poetry and--if the mind and soul remain open--a deeper understanding of the immense significance of religious faith (even in the face of personal misgivings and daily challenges).
Hopkins and George Herbert are both under-rated as poets. I think Hopkins has been very influential, even if it's not possible to imitate him. Lots of poets since he's been "rediscovered" find his music to be compelling, and worthy of study.
ReplyDeleteI once set a shorter (I believe unfinished?) sonnet of Hopkins to music, voice and chamber orchestra; it was a real challenge, but actually his poems are so musical to begin with, the real challenges were not about setting the words, but about finding the right musical halo in which to place them. (It was "The times are nightfall....")