"Spring" by Gerard Manley Hopkins

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1. About the Author: Gerard Manley Hopkins

  • Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–1889) was a 19th-century English poet and Jesuit priest.

  • He is famous for his innovative use of rhythm, imagery, and sound in poetry, known as "sprung rhythm."

  • Hopkins's poetry often explores nature, religion, beauty, and the presence of God in the world.

  • Though much of his poetry was published after his death, today he is celebrated as one of the most important Victorian poets.

  • His major works include Pied Beauty, God’s Grandeur, and The Windhover.

2. Detailed Summary: "Spring"

In "Spring," Hopkins expresses a deep admiration for the beauty and freshness of nature during the spring season.

He opens the poem by claiming that nothing is more beautiful than spring. He describes the weeds growing thick and lush, the thrush’s eggs looking like tiny blue heavens, and the thrush singing so powerfully that it feels like lightning striking the ear.

Hopkins paints a vivid picture of nature’s liveliness — the shiny pear tree leaves and blossoms brushing against the blue sky, the bright sky itself bursting with energy, and young lambs racing joyfully in the fields.

Amidst this overwhelming beauty, Hopkins pauses and asks, "What is all this juice and all this joy?"
He suggests that spring's beauty is a reminder of the innocence of the world at the time of the Garden of Eden, before sin spoiled it.

In the final lines, Hopkins warns that this beauty and innocence must be cherished before it gets "clouded" by sin.
He prays to Christ, calling Him "maid’s child" (referring to Mary’s son), asking Him to protect the purity and innocence, especially in children ("Mayday in girl and boy"), before it is corrupted.

Themes:

  • The Beauty and Energy of Nature

  • Innocence and Purity

  • Religious Symbolism and Spirituality

  • The Loss of Innocence through Sin

Tone and Style:

  • The tone is joyful, awe-filled, and prayerful.

  • Hopkins uses musical language, rich imagery, and sprung rhythm to bring the scenes to life.

3. Five MCQs with Answers:

1. What season is celebrated in the poem?
a) Summer
b) Winter
c) Autumn
d) Spring
Answer: d) Spring

2. What does Hopkins compare thrush’s eggs to?
a) Small stones
b) Little low heavens
c) Pieces of gold
d) Drops of water
Answer: b) Little low heavens

3. What natural element touches the "descending blue" sky in the poem?
a) Thrush’s wings
b) Peartree leaves and blooms
c) Racing lambs
d) Sprouting grass
Answer: b) Peartree leaves and blooms

4. Which biblical place does Hopkins mention while describing the innocence of spring?
a) Bethlehem
b) Eden Garden
c) Mount Sinai
d) Jerusalem
Answer: b) Eden Garden

5. What does Hopkins pray for in the final lines?
a) A bountiful harvest
b) The protection of innocence
c) The coming of rain
d) The end of winter
Answer: b) The protection of innocence

4. Five Short Answer Type Questions with Answers:

1. What feeling does the poet associate with spring?
Answer:
The poet associates spring with beauty, joy, freshness, and the innocence of the world before sin.

2. How does Hopkins describe the song of the thrush?
Answer:
Hopkins describes the thrush’s song as powerful and thrilling, striking the ear like lightning.

3. What question does Hopkins ask in the middle of the poem?
Answer:
He asks, "What is all this juice and all this joy?" marveling at the overflowing energy and sweetness of spring.

4. What warning does Hopkins give about innocence and beauty?
Answer:
Hopkins warns that the innocence and beauty of spring can be clouded or spoiled by sin, urging people to cherish it while it lasts.

5. Who does Hopkins address in prayer at the end of the poem?
Answer:
Hopkins addresses Christ, "maid’s child," asking Him to preserve innocence and purity, especially in children.

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