My Thesis
Whether or not one may believe in religious salvation, the motif of Hopkins’ poem, “God’s Grandeur” is the Power of God versus The Destruction of Man, where Light essentially overcomes Darkness.
Although I am not too sure how I would create an argument for this poem, that oppose my belief on it, in an actual essay that is more than two paragraphs, I would bring about other viewpoints with how different layers of the poem may be interpreted. With more paragraphs, I can further explain detailed form and sound imagery that would enhance my idea development.
In my first paragraph, I explain how Hopkins makes the connections between God, Power and Light. I discuss his word choice of ‘grandeur, greatness’ highlight supremacy. Also, his visual images of a powerful man with a ‘rod’ in his hand’. He uses similes such as ‘shining from shook foil’ and ‘ooze of oil’ to describe this unstoppable, almost electrical force. Then, I explain how Man is associated with Destruction and Darkness. I expand on rhythm such as the spondee ‘flame out’ (Line 2) and Hopkins’ question full of stresses (Line 4). The visual imagery is negative with words like ‘seared, bleared, smeared’. My evidence includes alliteration of ‘s’, repetition of the phrase ‘have trod’ which also creates an onomatopoeia of the trials they face. This highlights how in the midst of having such a mighty God, man has chosen to ignore him and live this life of gloom. The poem begins powerfully with God’s mighty nature, to then juxtapose directly with the ignorance of Man.
In my 2nd paragraph, I present the solution. This is where Hopkins adds hope of God’s redeeming powers. This further emphasizes light over the darkness of the previous stanza. I discuss the positive nature of the words with its coming of ‘morning’ and season of ‘spring’. One can imagine the restoration of life. Also, I refer to Catholic illusions, of the dove bird, to emphasize the conclusion which I think is most powerful. The colour contrast of white with the brown mud stains of man. It is the perfect symbol of God, Power and Light which ends the poem on a reassuring note.
Although I am not too sure how I would create an argument for this poem, that oppose my belief on it, in an actual essay that is more than two paragraphs, I would bring about other viewpoints with how different layers of the poem may be interpreted. With more paragraphs, I can further explain detailed form and sound imagery that would enhance my idea development.
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