Gerard Manley Hopkins Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The world is charged with the grandeur of God."

This quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins expresses a profound sense of awe and reverence for the beauty and majesty of the natural world, suggesting that it is imbued with the divine presence or glory of God. It invites us to perceive the world not just as a physical entity, but as a sacred space, filled with a sense of grandeur and beauty that transcends our human understanding. This perspective can inspire humility, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of life around us.

"As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame..."

This quote, penned by poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, is a powerful metaphor that captures the essence of intense beauty and brilliance. Hopkins compares the flashy colors of kingfishers (catching fire) and dragonflies (drawing flame) to ignite our imagination, suggesting the extraordinary radiance and splendor found in the natural world can inspire us, much like an artistic masterpiece or a profound moment of truth. The comparison serves to remind readers that just as these small creatures possess such vibrant beauty, humans too have the capacity for greatness and spark within them.

"What I do is myself. There is no other shoe to fit me."

This quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins emphasizes self-identity, individuality, and authenticity. He suggests that each person should embrace their unique traits and talents, rather than trying to conform to societal norms or expectations. The "shoe" symbolizes a standard or role one is expected to fill, but Hopkins asserts that he cannot be confined within any predefined mold; instead, he must express himself in his own way, true to who he truly is. This quote encourages us to value and honor our individuality, fostering a sense of self-awareness and personal freedom.

"I caught this morning morning's minion, kingdom of daylight's dauphin, dapple-dawn-drawn Falcon, in his riding. Of the rolling level underneath him steady air, and striding High there, how he rung upon the rein of a wimpling wing..."

This quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins is an exuberant celebration of nature, specifically the sighting of a falcon in dawn. "Morning's minion" refers to creatures active during the daytime, particularly the sun's attendant or representative. The "kingdom of daylight's dauphin" is the prince or heir to the kingdom of daylight, emphasizing the significance and majesty of the falcon. "Dapple-dawn-drawn Falcon" describes the falcon as one that glides gracefully with the subtle variations in light during dawn. The "rolling level underneath him steady air" refers to the calm, peaceful atmosphere on the ground beneath the falcon's flight path. The phrase "striding High there" suggests the soaring and powerful movement of the falcon, while "how he rung upon the rein of a wimpling wing" indicates the sound created by the falcon as it skillfully controls its wingbeats or reins (feathers on the back edge of the wing). Overall, Hopkins is conveying a sense of awe and admiration for the beauty, power, and harmony between the natural world (in this case, a falcon in flight) and its environment.

"I have believed -- do believe -- that the more stedfast a soul is... the more acute it is: it holds more, has sharper capacity for our elements: for the piety, pain, patience, not to talk of joy and the like, and so gets seized upon with greater force."

This quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins suggests that a steadfast soul, one that remains firm and unwavering, has a greater capacity for experiencing and perceiving profound emotions such as piety, pain, patience, joy, and others. He implies that the more open and receptive a soul is, the more intensely it will be affected by these experiences, making it vulnerable to stronger influences or forces. Essentially, Hopkins posits that steadfastness, not just in the face of adversity but also in one's emotional depth, leads to a heightened sensitivity and deeper connection with the world and its elements.