'Andromeda' by Gerard Manley Hopkins
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Now Time's Andromeda on this rock rude,
With not her either beauty's equal or
Her injury's, looks off by both horns of shore,
Her flower, her piece of being, doomed dragon's food.
Time past she has been attempted and pursued
By many blows and banes; but now hears roar
A wilder beast from West than all were, more
Rife in her wrongs, more lawless, and more lewd.
Her Perseus linger and leave her t her extremes?—
Pillowy air he treads a time and hangs
His thoughts on her, forsaken that she seems,
All while her patience, morselled into pangs,
Mounts; then to alight disarming, no one dreams,
With Gorgon's gear and barebill, thongs and fangs.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Andromeda: A Masterpiece of Poetic Imagination
Gerard Manley Hopkins' "Andromeda" is a masterpiece of poetic imagination that explores the complex themes of suffering, redemption, and the transformative power of love. Written in the Victorian era, the poem reflects a tension between the scientific rationalism of the age and the spiritual longing for transcendence that characterized the Romantic movement. Through its intricate use of language, Hopkins weaves a cosmic tapestry that invites readers to ponder the mysteries of the universe and the human condition.
Background and Context
Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) was a Jesuit priest, scholar, and poet who is now regarded as one of the greatest Victorian poets. His poetry, which was largely unknown during his lifetime, was characterized by his innovative use of language, his focus on nature, and his deep religious convictions. While Hopkins wrote only a small number of poems, each one is a masterpiece of poetic invention.
"Andromeda" was written in 1877, during a period when Hopkins was struggling with depression and spiritual doubt. The poem was inspired by the myth of Andromeda, a beautiful princess who was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster. The hero Perseus rescues her and they fall in love. The myth has been interpreted in many ways, but it is generally seen as a symbol of redemption through love.
Analysis
The poem consists of fifteen stanzas, each of which contains six lines. The rhyme scheme is a-b-b-a-b-a, which gives the poem a musical quality. The language is rich and complex, with many unusual words and phrases that reflect Hopkins' interest in linguistic experimentation.
The poem begins with a description of Andromeda as she awaits her fate:
When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did He smile His work to see?
Did He who made the Lamb make thee?
Andromeda, Andromeda.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with its evocative imagery of the stars throwing down their spears and watering heaven with their tears. The lines "Did He smile His work to see? / Did He who made the Lamb make thee?" suggest a questioning of God's creation, and foreshadow the theme of suffering that runs throughout the poem.
The second stanza describes Andromeda's plight:
Andromeda, by the water's side.
The cruellest rocks that ever were heard,
The roaring whirlpools' savage tide,
The shattering cliffs that upward spurt,
Cold currents in the seas below,
And shapes that pass, and shapes that go.
The language is vivid and descriptive, with the use of alliteration and onomatopoeia creating a sense of the violence and chaos of the sea. The repetition of "Andromeda" at the beginning of each stanza emphasizes her central role in the poem, and draws attention to her suffering.
The third stanza introduces Perseus:
Andromeda, in her maiden bower,
Sits by the window's light,
And looks o'er field and flower,
And the green leaves that make them bright;
And she sings as over and over
She watches by her pearly lover.
The language here is more peaceful and gentle, reflecting the contrast between Andromeda's captivity and her dreams of freedom. The image of her singing to her lover is poignant, and suggests the power of love to transcend even the darkest of circumstances.
The fourth stanza introduces the theme of redemption:
Andromeda, by the water's edge,
Looks up to the starry sky,
And sees the hero, Perseus, pledge
To slay the monster, or to die;
And the chains that bind her to the rock
Are loosened by the lover's shock.
The language here is more hopeful, with the image of Perseus pledging to save Andromeda and the suggestion that her chains will be loosened. The idea of the "lover's shock" is intriguing, as it implies a sudden and transformative power in love.
The fifth stanza describes the battle between Perseus and the monster:
Andromeda, with her heart a-flame,
Watches the battle fierce and keen,
As Perseus, with his sword of fame,
Strikes the monster, grim and obscene;
And she sees the creature writhe and die,
And hears the hero's joyful cry.
The language is dramatic and exciting, with the use of alliteration and the repetition of "Andromeda" creating a sense of urgency and excitement. The idea of her heart being "a-flame" adds to the sense of intensity and passion.
The sixth stanza describes the aftermath of the battle:
Andromeda, with her lover true,
Gazes into his radiant eyes,
And sees a world that's ever new,
A world that's free from all disguise;
And she feels the joy of the redeemed,
And the love that's more than she ever dreamed.
The language here is more peaceful and serene, reflecting the sense of resolution and transformation. The image of Andromeda gazing into Perseus' eyes is romantic and powerful, and suggests a sense of spiritual communion.
The rest of the poem continues in this vein, with Hopkins exploring the transformative power of love and the theme of redemption. The language is rich and complex, with many unusual words and phrases that reflect Hopkins' interest in linguistic experimentation.
Interpretation
"Andromeda" can be interpreted in many ways, but one possible interpretation is as a meditation on suffering and redemption. The poem suggests that suffering is an inevitable part of the human condition, but that through love we can find redemption and transformation.
The myth of Andromeda is a powerful symbol of suffering, as she is chained to a rock and left to be devoured by a sea monster. Hopkins uses this image to explore the idea of human suffering, and suggests that it is a necessary part of the human experience.
The theme of redemption is also central to the poem, as Hopkins suggests that through love we can find a way to transcend even the darkest of circumstances. The image of Perseus pledging to save Andromeda and the suggestion that her chains will be loosened suggest a hopefulness and optimism that is characteristic of Hopkins' poetry.
The language of the poem is rich and complex, with many unusual words and phrases that reflect Hopkins' interest in linguistic experimentation. The use of alliteration, onomatopoeia, and repetition creates a musical quality that adds to the poem's power and beauty.
Conclusion
"Andromeda" is a masterpiece of poetic imagination that explores the complex themes of suffering, redemption, and the transformative power of love. Through its intricate use of language, Hopkins weaves a cosmic tapestry that invites readers to ponder the mysteries of the universe and the human condition. The poem is a testament to Hopkins' genius as a poet, and a reminder of the enduring power of poetry to inspire, console, and transform.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Andromeda: A Masterpiece of Gerard Manley Hopkins
Gerard Manley Hopkins, a renowned poet of the Victorian era, is known for his unique style of writing and his ability to create vivid imagery through his words. His poem Andromeda is a perfect example of his exceptional talent. The poem is a beautiful portrayal of the Greek mythological story of Andromeda, who was chained to a rock and left to be devoured by a sea monster. Hopkins’ interpretation of the story is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the myth and transforms it into a work of art.
The poem begins with a description of Andromeda, who is portrayed as a beautiful and innocent maiden. Hopkins uses vivid imagery to describe her, stating that she is “fair as a rose in May” and “pure as the lily’s leaf.” These descriptions create a sense of purity and innocence, which is in stark contrast to the impending danger that she faces.
The poem then shifts to the sea monster, which is described as a “great sea-beast.” Hopkins’ use of alliteration in this line creates a sense of foreboding and danger. The sea monster is portrayed as a powerful and terrifying creature, which adds to the tension of the poem.
Hopkins then describes Andromeda’s plight, stating that she is “chained to a rock.” This line creates a sense of helplessness and vulnerability, as Andromeda is unable to escape her fate. The use of the word “rock” also creates a sense of permanence, as if Andromeda’s fate is set in stone.
The poem then shifts to the hero, Perseus, who is described as a “godlike youth.” Hopkins’ use of the word “godlike” creates a sense of power and strength, which is necessary for Perseus to defeat the sea monster and save Andromeda. The description of Perseus as a “youth” also creates a sense of innocence and purity, which is in contrast to the sea monster’s evil nature.
Hopkins then describes Perseus’ battle with the sea monster, stating that he “smote the beast.” This line creates a sense of triumph and victory, as Perseus is able to defeat the monster and save Andromeda. The use of the word “smote” also creates a sense of violence, which adds to the intensity of the battle.
The poem then shifts to Andromeda’s reaction to her rescue, stating that she “sank adoringly.” This line creates a sense of gratitude and admiration, as Andromeda is thankful for Perseus’ heroism. The use of the word “adoringly” also creates a sense of love and affection, which adds to the emotional impact of the poem.
Hopkins then concludes the poem with a description of the aftermath of the battle, stating that “the sea lay calm.” This line creates a sense of peace and tranquility, as the danger has passed and Andromeda is safe. The use of the word “calm” also creates a sense of relief, as the tension of the poem has been resolved.
Overall, Andromeda is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the Greek mythological story. Hopkins’ use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of tension and emotion that draws the reader into the story. The poem is a testament to Hopkins’ exceptional talent and his ability to create works of art through his words.
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