'The Lantern Out Of Doors' by Gerard Manley Hopkins


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Sometimes a lantern moves along the night,
That interests our eyes. And who goes there?
I think; where from and bound, I wonder, where,
With, all down darkness wide, his wading light?
Men go by me whom either beauty bright
In mould or mind or what not else makes rare:
They rain against our much-thick and marsh air
Rich beams, till death or distance buys them quite.

Death or distance soon consumes them: wind
What most I may eye after, be in at the end
I cannot, and out of sight is out of mind.

Christ minds: Christ's interest, what to avow or amend
There, éyes them, heart wánts, care haúnts, foot fóllows kínd,
Their ránsom, théir rescue, ánd first, fást, last friénd.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Lantern Out of Doors: A Masterpiece by Gerard Manley Hopkins

The Lantern Out of Doors is a timeless poem that speaks of a lantern that illuminates the darkness of the night and guides the traveler through the wilderness. Written by Gerard Manley Hopkins, a prominent poet of the Victorian era, this poem is a classic example of the artistry and craftsmanship that went into the creation of literary works during this period.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and motifs that Hopkins has woven into the poem, the language and imagery he employs, and the historical and cultural context that it emerged from.

The Lantern as a Metaphor

At its core, The Lantern Out of Doors is a metaphor for guidance and enlightenment. The lantern itself is not just a physical object, but a symbol of hope in the midst of darkness, a beacon of light that leads the way.

Hopkins uses the lantern as a vehicle for exploring the human condition, particularly our yearning for direction and purpose. The poem speaks to our need for guidance and the comfort that comes from knowing that there is a light to lead us through the darkness.

This theme of guidance is particularly relevant to the Victorian era, a time when advances in science and technology were creating a sense of disorientation and uncertainty. In the midst of this upheaval, people were searching for a sense of purpose and direction, and the lantern became a powerful symbol of hope and stability.

The Power of Nature

Another prominent theme in The Lantern Out of Doors is the power of nature. Hopkins was a deeply spiritual person who believed that the natural world was a reflection of the divine. In this poem, he celebrates the beauty and majesty of the natural world, and the way in which it can offer us a sense of peace and solace.

Throughout the poem, Hopkins uses vivid and evocative language to describe the natural world. He speaks of "shadows in long array" and "the great moon's face," painting a picture of a world that is both mysterious and awe-inspiring.

The natural world also serves as a reminder of our own mortality. Hopkins speaks of "the nightfall when day is done" and "the darkness of the world," emphasizing the transitory nature of human life and the need to find meaning and purpose in the midst of this impermanence.

The Power of Language

As a poet, Hopkins was acutely aware of the power of language to shape our understanding of the world around us. In The Lantern Out of Doors, he uses language in a way that is both innovative and striking, creating a unique and powerful voice.

One of the most notable aspects of Hopkins' language is his use of alliteration and assonance. He employs these techniques throughout the poem, creating a musical quality that enhances the sense of rhythm and movement.

Another powerful aspect of Hopkins' language is his use of imagery. He employs vivid and evocative language to create a sense of the natural world, painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and mysterious.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Lantern Out of Doors is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry that speaks to our deepest yearnings for guidance and enlightenment. Hopkins employs a range of literary techniques to create a sense of mystery and wonder, using the lantern as a powerful metaphor for our search for meaning and purpose.

Through his vivid and evocative language, Hopkins creates a sense of the natural world that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring, reminding us of the power of nature to bring us solace and peace.

Overall, The Lantern Out of Doors is a timeless work of art that speaks to the human condition with power and grace. It remains a testament to the power of language to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Lantern Out Of Doors: A Masterpiece of Gerard Manley Hopkins

Gerard Manley Hopkins, the renowned English poet, is known for his unique style of writing that combines religious themes with nature. His poem, The Lantern Out Of Doors, is a perfect example of his style. The poem is a beautiful depiction of the beauty of nature and the power of light. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem is divided into two stanzas, each consisting of eight lines. The first stanza describes the beauty of nature, while the second stanza talks about the power of light. The poem begins with the line, "Sometimes a lantern moves along the night." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The lantern is a symbol of light, and it moves along the night, illuminating the darkness. The lantern is a metaphor for hope and guidance.

The first stanza of the poem is a beautiful description of nature. Hopkins uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of the world around us. He writes, "From tree to tree, from hill to hill it goes." This line describes the movement of the lantern, but it also describes the movement of nature. The trees and hills are alive, and they move with the wind. Hopkins uses personification to give life to the natural world.

The second line of the poem reads, "All darkness is a swinging door." This line is a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life. Darkness is not permanent, and it is always followed by light. The swinging door represents the constant movement of life. Hopkins is reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

The third line of the poem is, "A moment there it dwindles, almost dies." This line describes the moment when the lantern almost goes out. It is a moment of uncertainty and fear. The lantern represents hope, and when it almost goes out, it is a reminder that hope can be fragile.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "But lo! it flares again, as pure, as bright." This line is a reminder that even when hope seems lost, it can always be reignited. The lantern flares again, and it is as pure and bright as it was before. Hopkins is reminding us that hope is always present, even in the darkest of times.

The fifth line of the poem is, "So from the heights of levity I write." This line is a reference to the poet himself. Hopkins is writing from a place of levity, or lightness. He is reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a place of lightness and hope.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "Saying a true word, that it shall not depart." This line is a reminder that the truth will always remain. Even when everything else seems to be falling apart, the truth will always be present. Hopkins is reminding us that we should hold on to the truth, even in the darkest of times.

The seventh line of the poem is, "Nor lift my hand till it have wrought its art." This line is a reminder that we should never give up. We should always strive to create something beautiful, even in the darkest of times. Hopkins is reminding us that art can be a source of hope and light.

The final line of the first stanza reads, "Nor take a watchman's lantern for the moon." This line is a metaphor for the importance of perspective. The watchman's lantern is a small light, while the moon is a large and powerful light. Hopkins is reminding us that we should not mistake small lights for large ones. We should always keep our perspective and remember that even small lights can be sources of hope and guidance.

The second stanza of the poem is a beautiful description of the power of light. Hopkins writes, "I am a lantern out of doors, a light." This line is a reminder that we can all be sources of light in the world. We can all be lanterns, illuminating the darkness.

The second line of the stanza reads, "I am a token of the night, a symbol." This line is a reminder that we can all be symbols of hope and guidance. We can all be reminders that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

The third line of the stanza is, "Shining amid the darkness, and I lend." This line is a reminder that we can all be sources of light for others. We can all lend our light to those who are in need.

The fourth line of the stanza reads, "Joy to the seasons, and sweet to friend and foe." This line is a reminder that light can bring joy to everyone. It is not just for friends, but also for foes. Light can bring people together, even in the darkest of times.

The fifth line of the stanza is, "I burn and wave aloft the beckoning hand." This line is a reminder that light can be a beacon of hope and guidance. It can beckon us towards a better future.

The sixth line of the stanza reads, "A symbol of the glory and the grace." This line is a reminder that light is a symbol of the glory and grace of God. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, God is present.

The seventh line of the stanza is, "Shining afar, and giving light to space." This line is a reminder that light can reach far and wide. It can illuminate even the darkest corners of the world.

The final line of the poem reads, "I'll shine until I melt away in the day." This line is a reminder that even though light may not last forever, it can still have a powerful impact. Hopkins is reminding us that we should strive to be sources of light, even if it is only for a short time.

In conclusion, The Lantern Out Of Doors is a beautiful poem that reminds us of the power of light and the beauty of nature. Hopkins uses vivid imagery and metaphors to create a powerful message of hope and guidance. The poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. We can all be sources of light in the world, and we should strive to be beacons of hope and guidance for others.

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