Explore the views of Grigson and Ward and with close attention to at least three poems develop your own views on Hopkins' poetry.
             To appreciate the work of Gerard Manley Hopkins he must first be placed in his correct context. Hopkins' was born in 1844 into a middle class Anglican family. Hopkins' attended Oxford University, by then he had already experimented with a variety of techniques and styles. In 1874 Hopkins went to St Buenos in Wales to start the theological part of his training, during this time he wrote poems include poems such as: 'Gods Grandeur' and 'The Windhover'. Hopkins was renowned for his religious beliefs, which dramatically influenced his poems. Critic Donald Mc Chesney commented " Hopkins most significant experiences of inscape in nature seem to have occurred during the ascetic years of Jesuit training, notably the years 1874-77 when he enjoyed the rural peace and contemplation of his studies at St Buenos in north Wales". In 1881 he was ordained as a Jesuit priest and at times he suffered from lack of inspiration and although many people found much to admire in his poetry, his compressed style, sometimes obscure grammar and unusual rhythm prevented him form being accepted. His attitude to poetic fame was complex, as he needed encouragement but feared it would mare his religious duties. Grigson wrote, "Hopkins wrote for no public, he had no care for publication, and as a Jesuit priest had no entertainment for poetic fame." Hopkins had frequent bouts of depression, which resulted in his dark sonnets. He died in 1889.
             Gods Grandeur was written in 1877, it has a standard rhythm and is one of Hopkins many sonnets. The basic theme of the poem is how humans have destroyed nature but nature is ever present, and still carries on, just like gods ever present power. There are strong themes throughout Hopkins poetry nature and religion being the most focussed on, ...